A 57-year-old male teacher is now under investigation after being accused of recording a 31-year-old female teacher inside a temporary restroom. The incident happened during the Provincial Scout Jamboree at Camp Hinilawod in Calinog, Iloilo, on November 25.
Both the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) are conducting separate investigations to address the issue.
What Happened?
According to the police, the male teacher was allegedly spying on the female teacher inside a temporary restroom around 8:30 in the morning. The female teacher noticed a cellphone pointed at her and grabbed it. She saw the male teacher holding the phone and immediately reported the incident to school authorities.
This led to the suspect’s arrest. He was charged under Republic Act 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) for unauthorized recording. The law aims to protect individuals from gender-based harassment, including acts like secretly recording someone.
What Is the Safe Spaces Act?
Republic Act 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act, prohibits any form of gender-based harassment. Section 12 of the law states that recording someone without their consent is considered online sexual harassment.
If found guilty, the accused can face jail time of six months to six years, a fine ranging from ₱100,000 to ₱500,000, or both, depending on the court’s decision.
The Suspect’s Temporary Freedom
The male teacher was released after posting bail. The police did not reveal the exact date of his release, as the case is now in court.
DepEd and BSP Reactions
In a statement, the DepEd-Schools Division Office (SDO) of Iloilo expressed deep concern about the incident. The office stated that they are taking legal steps and providing psychosocial support to those involved.
“We do not tolerate any behavior that harms our employees. DepEd prioritizes the safety and well-being of participants in all activities,” the SDO emphasized.
Similarly, Board Member Matt Palabrica, the chairperson of the BSP Iloilo Council, said he was disappointed about the incident. He confirmed that the council’s legal committee is already investigating, and the final report will be submitted to the BSP National Council for proper action.
“This behavior is unacceptable, especially during a BSP event,” Palabrica said in an interview.
Steps to Prevent Future Incidents
To avoid similar situations, the BSP Iloilo Council plans to separate male and female restrooms in future scout jamborees. This will replace the current setup where shared temporary facilities are used.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting personal privacy and maintaining safety during large events. Both the DepEd and BSP are committed to ensuring that such incidents are handled appropriately and that proper actions are taken against those who violate the law.
