CHR investigates 'slapped' student's death from brain edema

A 14-year-old Grade 5 student from Antipolo City died of global brain edema days after allegedly being slapped by his teacher.

The CHR launched an independent investigation into the incident and emphasized the importance of safeguarding children's rights and dignity.

Francis Jay Gumikib's death certificate showed he died due to acute intraparenchymal hemorrhage, with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis and child physical abuse as contributing factors.

Antipolo police said they will hold the teacher accountable under RA 7610 but it is too early to file homicide charges without a definitive autopsy report.