April 23, 2024 - The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued a statement refuting a Facebook post by XFM Radyo Patrol Iloilo, which claimed that two teachers died due to heatstroke while conducting classes.
The post, labeled as “Breaking News,” is being called out by DepEd as “highly inaccurate and misleading.” The Schools Division Office concerned has confirmed that no teacher was reported to have died due to heatstroke.
According to official records, one teacher from Sta. Barbara passed away in February 2024 due to Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease, and another teacher passed away in March 2024 due to an Aneurysm. In both instances, the teachers were reportedly at home at the time of their passing.
DepEd expressed its disappointment over the sensationalism of the teachers’ deaths by certain news outlets, emphasizing the importance of true and factual reporting. The department also extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the teachers.
DepEd urges all media outlets to exercise responsible journalism and verify information before publishing, to avoid causing unnecessary panic and distress among the public.