3 teachers ordered arrested

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – A local court has ordered the arrest of three teachers in Marawi City who were appointed to permanent positions even though they have no licenses.

Judge Christina Hawtay-Jovero issued the warrants for Asmera Cacatanong, Asleah Pendatun Macatanong and Potre Sarah Mama Macatanong. Copies of the warrants were released yesterday.

John Magno, secretary of the Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM), filed a complaint against the three teachers for alleged violation of Republic Act 7836 also known as the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act.

DepEd-ARMM officials said retired Marawi City schools division superintendent Mona Macatanong facilitated the appointment of the respondents.

Macatanong earlier figured in a controversy when she refused to vacate her seat when she turned 65, the mandatory age of retirement for government employees, in 2014. She changed her date of birth so she could stay in office longer.

The Supreme Court affirmed her retirement in a ruling issued in 2016.