Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte strongly condemned on Friday the reported sexual abuse incident involving a public high school principal and four minor students.
“We will never condone this type of action,” said Belmonte in a statement written in Tagalog.
“We will ensure there will be a thorough investigation of this case and we are ready to extend legal assistance to the victims to strengthen their case against the accused,” she added.
Belmonte was reacting to a report that a high school principal was arrested by law enforcement authorities in Quezon City after receiving complaints of lascivious conduct from the students.
The 59-year-old suspect allegedly molested four Grade 10 students, all male, aged between 15 to 17 years old, according to ABS-CBN News. The principal refused to give a statement.
Belmonte reminded all teachers and school officials of their responsibility to prioritize the safety and well-being of students while they are at school. She also appealed to other possible victims of the suspect to come forward.