Teacher allegedly slaps Grade 5 pupil who later died of brain edema

A Grade 5 student in Antipolo City, Francis Jay Gumikib, died after allegedly being slapped by his teacher, an incident that reportedly caused global brain edema.

The victim allegedly suffered an earache, loss of balance, and vomiting after the assault on September 20, according to his mother.

While the teacher claimed she only tapped the student's cheek, a classmate stated Gumikib received a slap.

Francis was sent to the hospital on September 26 and went into a coma until his death on October 2.

The student's death certificate indicated global brain edema as the cause of death, with acute intraparenchymal hemorrhage as an antecedent cause, and also listed presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis and child physical abuse.

The teacher involved is on official leave, and the Department of Education (DepEd) has formed a fact-finding investigation team.

The Antipolo City government has assured assistance to the bereaved family, with the mayor visiting their wake and pledging help with expenses.

Local police are still investigating the incident, and it is too early to file homicide charges.