THE Department of Education (Deped) in Davao Region belied harassment reports in far-flung areas in the region as classes resumed on Monday, June 4.
Deped 11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo issued such statement following reports from the Save Our Schools (SOS) Network about glitches in some Davao areas.
SOS Network Southern Mindanao spokesperson Rius Valle, in their advisory, said the class opening among the lumad schools was faced with military operations and attacks.
Valle said the network documented about 56 schools that were forcibly closed in various areas in Southern Mindanao due to alleged military operations and attacks of the armed forces.
Lumad students, teachers and supporters under the SOS Network expressed dismay over the incident while a bakwit school in Haran, Fr. Selga St., Davao City marked its class opening with 76 students.
Atillo said there were no similar reports and/or complaints from SOS Network that have reached the office. He added that they need to receive reports coming from official sources on this.
"As far as we are concerned, the opening of classes here in Davao region went very smooth, orderly and peaceful. We only received minimal concerns sama sa enrollment, other than that wala na," Atillo said.
If there is truth on the allegations, Atillo said, the department is encouraging teachers and concerned communities to file their complaints and submit it to their office, or to the local government and police or military.
Atillo said government authorities assured to maintain the peace and order situation as well as the traffic situation even as classes have already opened. They are also coordinating with school officials to ensure the safety of the students and the teachers as well.