MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is conducting a fact-finding investigation into the deaths of two learners during a fun run at Cauayan South Central School in Isabela on Oct. 3.
In an official statement released on the same day, DepEd said it was coordinating with the local government and law enforcement authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The investigation includes a review of the activity, safety measures, equipment used and the roles of those involved, the department said.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed condolences to the families of the two learners and said the DepEd Schools Division Office of Cauayan was coordinating with local authorities to provide assistance and support to the affected families.
Angara said the Philippine National Police and Scene of the Crime Operatives were continuing their investigation, while the Schools Division Office was working with the local government and other concerned agencies to provide immediate assistance to the families.
“The safety and well-being of our learners and personnel will always be a top priority,” Angara said.
In a separate statement, the Schools Division Office of Cauayan City said it was also working with the local government and other concerned agencies to provide the necessary response and assistance.
“Law enforcement authorities are now investigating the incident, and the Schools Division Office is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation,” the division office said in a statement issued by Schools Division Superintendent Cherry S. Ramos.
The division office appealed to the public to refrain from speculation and from sharing unverified information while the investigation is ongoing.
DepEd said appropriate action would be taken based on the findings.
Both DepEd and the Schools Division Office expressed their sympathies to the families of the two learners and asked the public to respect their privacy.
They also urged the public not to share the children's names, photographs, videos or other identifying information.
