By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The result of a medical examination on the 16-year-old student involved in an alleged molestation case committed by her teacher confirmed the presence of a laceration to her genitals.
The student’s mother revealed the student suffered from a 7 o’clock hymenal laceration, or a tear to the membrane covering the vaginal opening.
The mother reiterated her intentions of filing a case against the teacher, revealed to be the student’s Citizenship Advancement Training (CAT) instructor, who has since filed for leave.
She also revealed the teacher has reached out via text message seeking a settlement.
The student’s mother initially raised the issues after her daughter failed to return home for three days and later discovering she has been staying at the residence of her teacher.
Meanwhile, the head of the Department of Education-Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) ordered an investigation into the alleged molestation.
In a radio interview yesterday, DepEd-NIR Director, Dr. Gilbert Sadsad, said students can only accompany their instructors to their homes if they are assigned to specific school projects.
He also said male students must be present and secure permission from their parents.
Sadsad added the involved teacher may face both administrative and criminal charges if it is proven that he molested the student.
The DepEd-NIR director also called on Bacolod Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Cynthia Demavivas, to conduct the investigation./WDJ