The death of a 14-year-old student has prompted an official investigation by education authorities in the Philippines. Francis Jay Gumikib, a grade 5 student, reportedly died as a result of complications following an incident at his elementary school where he was allegedly slapped by his teacher.
Local media reports claim that Francis was hit in the ear by his teacher as a form of “punishment”. Days after the incident, the teenager was hospitalized due to severe ear pain, loss of balance, and vomiting.
Eyewitness accounts from some of Francis’ classmates suggest that the teacher, in response to what was described as “unruly behavior”, had first pulled the boy’s hair and then slapped him on the ear. Contradicting these accounts, the accused teacher informed the police that she had merely “tapped his face” and denied slapping the student.
The incident, which reportedly took place on September 20, saw Francis admitted to the hospital six days later. He unfortunately slipped into a coma and subsequently passed away on October 2, with the cause of death identified as “brain haemorrhage”.
The Department of Education in Antipolo City has since announced the assembly of a “fact-finding” team, with the primary goal to carry out a “cautious, and comprehensive investigation” of the incident. As the investigation continues, the teacher in question has been placed on “official leave”.