DepEd investigates death of 8-year-old girl

The Department of Education (DepEd) has started investigating the death of an eight-year-old girl who died after her teacher reportedly banged her head with that of a classmate in a fit of anger.

DepEd officer-in-charge Undersecretary Fe Hidalgo said the department will file administrative charges against Esperanza Balderes, 62, if the investigation would show that the teacher’s act was the cause of the death of Ma. Jessalyn Palma, a Grade 3 pupil of Sucat Elementary School.

DepEd National Capital Region (NCR)  Director Teresita Domalanta is conducting the investigation.

Hidalgo said the DepEd will wait for the result of the investigation before filing charges.

"Although there is an ongoing investigation, I also want the department’s central office to look into the matter," Hidalgo said.

News reports said Balderes banged the heads of Palma and another pupil after the class became rowdy last Thursday.

The following day, Palma was rushed to the Ospital ng Muntinlupa for continuous vomiting. She died the next day.

Autopsy showed that Palma suffered from traumatic shock leading to cerebral hemorrhage.The parents of the victim also filed reckless imprudence charges resulting to homicide against Balderes.

Division Superintendent Dr. Fe Faz has recommended to the school principal that Balderes be given a two-day forced leave to ensure partiality in the investigations.