A public elementary school teacher in Mapandan, Pangasinan, has been reported to the DepEd after being caught on camera ordering pupils to spit into a soft drink bottle and then making two classmates drink its contents, causing both children to vomit.
The incident came to public attention after Mangaldan Councilor Russel Simorio raised the allegations in a Facebook post and reported the matter to the DepEd Region 1.
According to Simorio, a circulating video showed a teacher instructing several pupils to spit into a plastic bottle containing Coca-Cola. The bottle was passed around the classroom before its contents were given to two students.
Simorio said both children vomited after drinking the saliva-contaminated beverage, while one was unable to stop crying.
He described the footage, reportedly around seven minutes long, as too disturbing to publish.
“Pinili kong hindi i-post ang video dahil napakaselan. Masyadong baboy panuorin,” he wrote.
Although the incident occurred outside his jurisdiction, Simorio said he felt compelled to speak out as a concerned citizen and public official.
“Kung nagkamali man ang mga bata, pwedeng pagsabihan, hindi mo dapat paiinumin ng may laway ng iba,” he stressed.
In an Oct. 27 update, Simorio reported that the footage he forwarded had reached DepEd Region 1’s regional director, who subsequently instructed the Schools Division Superintendent and Schools Division Office of Pangasinan I to address the allegations.
According to the councilor, the regional director also planned to personally visit the school to investigate what happened.
Mapandan Councilor Percival Biagtan reportedly coordinated with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and local education authorities, emphasizing the need to check the children’s health and ensure their protection.
The allegations have raised concerns over student safety and disciplinary practices in public schools.
Under DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, the Child Protection Policy prohibits corporal punishment and degrading or humiliating treatment of learners. Violations may result in administrative sanctions and, depending on the findings, possible legal consequences.
