Even as the nation grapples with persistent problems of inflation, corruption and political turbulence, it must not be forgotten that schools continue to face a growing threat of violence.
In New Washington, Aklan, a 52-year-old teacher died on July 28, two days after being punched several times by a 19-year-old following an argument at a gathering.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers expressed alarm, pointing out that the incident is not an isolated case. ACT had only recently lamented the case of another teacher who was shown on video being beaten by two students at the gymnasium of the Elizalde National High School in Maco, Davao de Oro.
ACT lamented the lack of protection for teachers, and the weakness of their authority to enforce discipline in schools. The injured teacher filed a complaint against the two siblings, who were turned over to the local social welfare office.
While acknowledging the rights of juvenile offenders, ACT also lamented ‘the deepening culture of impunity and lack of accountability that continues to permeate society.’
‘When abuses of power, violations of human rights, and criminal acts are routinely tolerated, excused or left unpunished, they shape the values and behavior of the youth,’ ACT declared in a statement.
In Biliran, Leyte, police on a routine visit last Wednesday at the Pulang Bato Elementary School found a Grade 6 student in possession of a .38-caliber revolver.
On the same day in Isabela, Basilan, the city police also took into custody a 12-year-old boy who smuggled a gun into the Geras Integrated School. The boy’s 15-year-old brother later went to the school and threatened the principal and teachers for reporting the incident to the police.
In Tacloban City, two students aged 14 and 15 went on a shooting rampage on June 22, killing schoolmates Chris Lorenz Fabian, Alyessa Nicole Dazo and Joyancee Separa. The killers, who have reportedly shown no remorse, are in a social welfare reform facility.
Since the killing in Tacloban, wherein parents of the slain students lamented that the 14-year-old who fired nearly all the shots would go unpunished, classes in several schools across the country have been disrupted by bombing and shooting threats.
While there are many factors that drive youths to commit horrific acts of violence, the idea that youth offenders in this country go unpunished is contributing to the problem. The nation is still waiting for solutions.