Forensic pathologist questions student's death certificate

Forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun questioned the death certificate of Francis Jay Gumikib, a 14-year-old student who allegedly died from a teacher's slap.

The death certificate lists global brain edema and acute intraparenchymal hemorrhage as the cause of death, with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis and child physical abuse as contributing factors.

Dr. Fortun expressed misgivings about a slap being the direct cause of death for a 14-year-old, suggesting it would be more plausible for an infant.

She emphasized that the death certificate did not specify the underlying cause that led to the brain hemorrhage, making the cause of death unclear.

Fortun noted that while child abuse was listed as a contributing factor, it should be tagged as the manner of death if it were a significant factor.

She also highlighted the presence of tuberculosis and the 11-day interval between the alleged assault and Gumikib's death as significant factors.

An autopsy is crucial to provide a more comprehensive and precise report on the exact cause of death, according to Fortun.