By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A high school teacher is in “hot water” after a viral video of him shoving a student into the wall drew criticism from netizens.

Department of Education (DepEd) Negros Occidental spokesperson Ian Arnold Arnaiz said the incident has reached their office and an investigation has already been ordered.

Arnaiz said the local DepEd Division Office may conduct a probe over the incident if school faculties are unable to resolve it.

An investigation must first be performed to find out what really happened, not solely basing their findings on the viral video, he said.

The DepEd official further stated that the incident was an isolated case.

Arnaiz said the disciplining body for all teaching staff will be under the DepEd-Western Visayas director.

A formal complaint must be submitted prior to the filing of administrative charges.

Meanwhile, Arnaiz reminded the teachers in the region to be calm and not to be violent when confronting their respective students.

In the viral video, the teacher confronts the student about his uncut hair, which violates school regulations.

He was seen allegedly using excessive force by grabbing the student and pushing him to the wall.

The video has since been taken down by the uploader.

The incident was also confirmed to have taken place at the Pontevedra National High School in the said town.

The student’s father expressed his intention of filing charges against the teacher./DGB, WDJ