In a shocking incident, a high school principal in Quezon City was arrested for allegedly committing lascivious acts against four Grade 10 students. The Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed the arrest on Friday.

Principal Arrested and Detained

The principal of Pugad Lawin High School, Bonifacio Caculitan Jr., was taken into police custody on September 29. He is currently detained at the Quezon City Police District Station 15 in Barangay Project 6. According to the DepEd National Capital Region (NCR) Schools Division Office, four Grade 10 students accused Caculitan of inappropriate actions, leading to his arrest.

Legal Charges Against the Principal

Caculitan is facing charges under Section 5(b) of Republic Act No. 7610, which has been amended by Republic Act No. 11648. This law specifically addresses acts of lasciviousness against children. It aims to protect minors from all forms of abuse and exploitation. The arrest of Caculitan highlights the serious legal consequences for those accused of committing crimes against students.

DepEd’s Response to the Incident

The DepEd Schools Division Office responded quickly to the situation. They have already appointed an Officer-in-Charge to take over Caculitan’s duties at Pugad Lawin High School. Additionally, they issued a formal order to remove Caculitan from his position and transfer him to the division office.

To further ensure the students’ safety and welfare, the Schools Division Office has requested an official investigation into the administrative aspects of the case. This investigation will help determine if proper procedures were followed and what further actions should be taken.

Providing Support to Affected Students and Families

In response to the incident, the DepEd Schools Division Office has also convened its Child Protection Committee. This committee is responsible for meeting with the school’s parents and students to provide necessary support. They offered psychological first aid to help the students cope with the traumatic experience. The committee is also coordinating with the City Social Welfare Office to provide counseling services.

Ensuring Child Protection in Schools

This incident has raised concerns about child protection in schools. The Department of Education has a responsibility to ensure that students are safe from any form of abuse. In this case, DepEd’s quick action in addressing the issue and providing support to the students shows their commitment to child protection.

DepEd has policies and guidelines in place to prevent abuse in schools, including the formation of Child Protection Committees. These committees are trained to handle reports of abuse and take the necessary steps to safeguard students. Despite these measures, the recent incident at Pugad Lawin High School shows that more work is needed to prevent such situations and protect students’ well-being.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Involvement

The investigation into Caculitan’s alleged actions is ongoing. The police and DepEd officials are working together to gather more information. As this process continues, it is important for the school community, including parents, teachers, and students, to stay informed and involved. The collaboration between DepEd and social welfare offices aims to create a safe environment for students to speak up and seek help if they experience any form of abuse.

The Role of Schools in Preventing Abuse

Schools play a crucial role in promoting students’ safety and well-being. Teachers and school administrators are responsible for creating a secure environment where students feel comfortable and protected. This includes being aware of signs of abuse, following child protection policies, and taking immediate action when allegations arise.

The case at Pugad Lawin High School serves as a reminder of the importance of child protection measures. Schools need to continuously educate staff, students, and parents about the rights of children and the steps to take if abuse is suspected. Training programs, clear reporting procedures, and open communication can help prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

Conclusion

The arrest of Pugad Lawin High School principal Bonifacio Caculitan Jr. for alleged lascivious acts against students has sparked concern and calls for action in Quezon City. DepEd’s prompt response in providing support to the affected students and initiating an investigation reflects their commitment to protecting students from abuse.

This case underscores the need for schools to strictly enforce child protection policies and maintain a safe learning environment. By working together, schools, parents, and the community can create a safer space for students, ensuring their education is free from harm.

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