The high school teacher accused of molesting an 11-year-old boy athlete in the Asturias Central School asked for a leave of absence after charges were filed against him in court.
Talisay City Schools Division Supt. Dr. Leah Noveras said the 27-year-old Physical Education (PE) teacher made clear his intention to take a leave after learning about the charges filed against him.
“He told me he wants to file a leave of absence. I advised him that since there are accusations, he should repsond and not hide,” Noveras said.
A source told Cebu Daily News that the teacher is looking for a lawyer to defend him.
Charges of violating Republic Act (RA) 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act were filed against the teacher at the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
Touched
The Grade 6 student was accompanied by his parents and coach, Asturias police chief Senior Insp. Glenn Roda Devocion and a female police officer of the Asturias Women and Children’s Protection Desk.
The alleged abuse took place in the evening of February 26 inside the Asturias Central School which was used to house high school athletes participating in the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVRAA) 2015 held in nearby Balamban town.
Talisay City Councilor Richard Francis Aznar called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to investigate the teacher.
“As a student before, I really admired my teacher and looked up to them as my second parent. Now as a parent, I see teachers as my partners in molding my children to be good citizens of the community,” Aznar said.
Leveled
Aznar’s resolution was approved by the Talisay City Council.
Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante said he was dismayed over the report since it occurred a week after three foreigners were shot in a fast-food outlet in Talisay City.
Talisay City Mayor Johnny V. delos Reyes, who canceled his trip to Asturias town after learning of the incident, said the teacher should face the charges.
“Mas maayo gyud na siya’ng matangtang sa serbisyo (It’s better for the teacher to be removed from the service),” de los Reyes said.
According to the student, the teacher called him after dinner, and touched his privates but the boy managed to ran away.
When the teacher called him a second time, he brought the boy to a multicab parked in the school and forced him to perform oral sex. The student said he was given P100 and told not to tell anyone about the incident.
But the boy told his friends and when the news reached his coach, they reported it to the police.
Novares said they reported the incident to the DepEd regional office which told them to wait for further instructions. She said they are extending assistance to the victim and his family.