Student accused in Bacolod teacher’s poisoning case

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A 36-year-old teacher whose death was initially reported as a stabbing was allegedly poisoned by a 24-year-old senior high school student at the victim’s residence in Barangay Alijis here on Friday, June 12, police said.

Police Capt. Jay-R Reyes, head of Police Station 7, said an investigation showed that the student admitted forcing the teacher to drink a strong chemical during a drinking session at the victim’s house.

Responding officers detected a strong chemical odor inside the residence, which authorities suspect may have come from muriatic acid.

Reyes said the student claimed he became upset after the teacher jokingly challenged him to drink it first.

When police arrived at about 11:55 p.m., the student appeared intoxicated, while the teacher was lying unconscious on the floor.

Investigators also found damage to part of the ceiling, leading police to believe the student may have tried to escape through that route.

Authorities were alerted after neighbors heard a loud noise from the house and feared a commotion was taking place.

Police said they found no visible injuries on the victim’s body.

An autopsy is underway to determine the exact cause of death.

Reyes clarified that the teacher and the student were not affiliated with the same school.

The suspect has been arrested, and police are preparing to file a murder complaint against him.

Education Program Specialist II RJ Paglomutan, spokesperson for the Department of Education-Bacolod Schools Division, confirmed the incident but declined to provide more details while the police investigation is ongoing.

Paglomutan said the victim’s family appealed for privacy and understanding during this difficult time.

He said the incident had been reported to the DepEd-Bacolod schools division superintendent, and the office will release a statement once the investigation is completed.

Under the Revised Penal Code, murder may include a killing committed by means of poison, among other qualifying circumstances.