5 girls file sex charges against college teacher

A college professor in Argao was charged administratively yesterday before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly sexually molesting five of his female students, including two who were minors.

The five students, who earlier filed separate criminal charges for sexual harassment and acts of lasciviousness at the Municipal Trial Court in Argao and the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, are now asking the anti-graft body to place Vicente Von Duran under preventive suspension.

The students charged Duran with grave misconduct and violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Duran is a computer professor at the Cebu State College of  Science and Technology in Argao.

One of the two minors allegedly victimized by Duran said that early in the evening of last February 18, Duran called her to his office ostensibly to clarify some matters pertaining to her grades. The girl, aged 16, said that while in the office, Duran suddenly hugged and kissed her, first on the forehead and eventually on the lips.

As soon as she was able to free herself, the girl immediately walked out of the room but Duran reportedly followed her, begging to talk things over.

The other minor, aged 17, and who Duran was allegedly courting, claimed to have been offered a cellphone if she agrees to go steady with him. The complainant said that sometime last week, Duran asked her if she already has a partner for Valentines Day.

Duran allegedly pinched her legs and tried to kiss her while holding her hands.  Duran, who is married, has yet to answer the charges and has gone on indefinite leave. — Fred Languido/JST