Manila, Philippines — Following the confirmation by the Department of Education (DepEd) of the death of a Grade 4 learner from Hugo Perez Elementary School in Cavite after a deworming activity at the school, authorities have launched a joint investigation into the incident.
The Cavite Police Provincial Office in Trece Martires, DepEd, and other concerned agencies are now investigating the deworming activity to determine whether the deworming medicine was responsible for the student’s death.
The said learner reportedly experienced fever, vomiting, nose bleeding, and severe headaches and abdominal pain.
In a statement, DepEd also said that several other students who received the deworming medicine likewise felt unwell.
Based on the initial medical findings, the Grade 4 learner died of septic shock caused by an infection.
DepEd added that they are coordinating with health authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
The agency and Hugo Perez Elementary School also extended their condolences to the family of the deceased student.
While the incident has alarmed the public and caused concern among parents, the school stressed that, they also never wanted such an unfortunate event to happen.
DepEd Cavite Province is likewise coordinating with the appropriate authorities as the investigation continues.
The Trece Martires police, which is conducting a joint investigation with other agencies, urged the public to wait for the official results of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified and unfounded information about the incident to avoid adding to the grief of the bereaved family and causing unnecessary public confusion.
They assured the public that the investigation would be conducted fairly, impartially, and thoroughly.
In a separate statement, PNP Spokesperson Police Colonel Allan Rae Co clarified that the joint investigation does not mean that negligence or lapses have already been established in connection with the deworming activity.
He said the purpose of the investigation is to determine the facts surrounding the incident and identify any individuals who may be held accountable, if warranted by the evidence.
The Department of Education also assured the public that it will provide the child’s family with the necessary emotional, psychological, and logistical support.
DepEd emphasized that the welfare and safety of all learners remain its highest priority.
Meanwhile, the family of the Grade 4 learner is seeking justice for their child and has appealed for the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).