Fresnedi orders probe on pupil’s death

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi has ordered an investigation into the death of an elementary school pupil, who was hospitalized after allegedly being punished by her teacher.

Eight-year-old Ma. Jessalyn Palma, a Grade II student of the Sucat Elementary School and a resident of Barangay Sucat, Muntinlupa City, sustained internal injuries and died five days after the incident at school.

The teacher, who was identified as Esperanza Balderes, said Palma and another student continued to disobey her, prompting her to knock their heads together. The incident took place last Friday at around 3 p.m.

The 62-year-old Balderes, who is set to retire this September, was earlier apprehended by barangay officials.

Palma was confined at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa after she experienced continuous vomiting . She later died due to an internal hemorrhage.

The victim’s parents are set to file charges against the teacher.

The case is being handled by the Women and Children’s Protection Desk of the Muntinlupa police.

Fresnedi has pledged to extend burial assistance to the victim’s family. — Rhodina Villanueva