16-yr-old Cebu student’s slay, rape shocks DepEd, LGU

THE Department of Education (DepEd) has strongly condemned the murder of a Grade 9 learner found on a vacant lot in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, on March 11, and called on the local government and the police to swiftly bring to justice the criminals.

Police said the victim, a 16-yearold student of Maribago High School, was reported missing by her mother on Sunday when she failed to return home from serving as a tithe collector at church.

Her body was discovered the following morning by passers-by. She bore traces of rape and part of her skin was removed, exposing her skull.

DepEd Schools Division Office of Lapu-Lapu City issued a memorandum reminding all public and private elementary and secondary schools to strengthen their rules and policies on school safety.

It listed security measures, such as restricting practices for school presentations and other school-related activities until 5 p.m. only; instructing school heads to advise learners to bring packed lunch or snacks, instead of buying food outside school premises; ensuring that fully functional CCTV cameras are installed in strategic areas; requesting additional presence of police or barangay tanod in the area; and advising students to always go in groups when out on the streets, especially when it is already dark.

“The department, likewise, enjoins the public in the shared responsibility of protecting children from all forms of abuse, violence, exploitation and threat,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis-Briones said.

The department extended condolences to the girl’s family and requested the DepEd community for voluntary contributions to provide financial assistance to them.

Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco