Belmonte slams sexual assault on 4 HS students

QUEZON City Mayor Maria Josefina "Joy" Belmonte on Friday condemned the alleged sexual assault of a public high school principal on four Grade 10 male students, and ordered a thorough investigation on the supposed incident. She said that the 59-year-old male principal was arrested by members of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) in a follow-up operation at his residence in Cainta, Rizal. "I condemn this alleged sexual assault on the four minor students by the high school principal who is now under an investigation," Belmonte said. The alleged sexual molestation supposedly took place at the principal's office last September 28, the QCPD said. Three of the victims were 15 years old while the other one was 17, the police said. An initial police investigation showed that the suspect allegedly took advantage of the minors but one of them managed to push him and they all ran out of the principal's office. One of the minors alleged that the principal touched his penis while both of them were in the kitchen and started to molest him, but the assault was stopped when one of the victims knocked on the door. They immediately reported what the principal did to them to their parents who did not hesitate to seek the assistance of the police, hence, his arrest. Belmonte assured the family of all forms of assistance, especially on legal matters, to make sure the suspect would be held accountable. She then called on other possible victims to come out in order to pin the suspect down. The mayor reminded the school authorities, particularly teachers, of their duty towards their students, especially their safety and well-being while in school premises.