Teacher Dies Two Days After Assault by Teen in Aklan, Raising Safety Concerns

MANILA, Philippines — A teacher died two days after he was allegedly assaulted by a 19-year-old man in New Washington, Aklan. Relatives told police that the victim, who worked at the Aklan Polytechnic College, died on Tuesday afternoon while being treated at the Asia Pacific Medical Center-Aklan in Kalibo town. Reports said the teacher and his friend had attended a party in Barangay Mabilo on Sunday, where the teen suspect was also a guest. Police said the teacher and the suspect knew each other, although they were not personally acquainted. During a drinking session, the two figured in a spat, prompting the party host to take the teacher home. However, when the teacher was about to board a tricycle, the suspect allegedly ran after him and punched him several times until he fell to the ground. The teacher was rushed to the hospital and was admitted to the intensive care unit while police arrested the suspect. Probers said the cause of death has yet to be determined. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) yesterday expressed alarm over the incident, saying it occurred amid a disturbing rise of violence involving not only students, but also teachers and education workers in and outside the school premises. ACT urged the government to ensure safety in schools and communities, and to implement structural changes needed to shape a society free of violence and injustice. The group said the incident reflects the deepening culture of impunity and lack of accountability that continues to permeate the society.