Ateneo de Davao student dismissed for bullying

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A student from Ateneo de Davao Junior High School (JHS) was dismissed due to alleged bullying.

In a "24 Oras" report from Jandi Esteban of GMA Regional TV on Friday, a video has circulated online showing a video of a student beating up another student. The incident reportedly occurred in one of the comfort rooms in Ateneo de Davao University (JHS) last November 5.

The school has not provided details about the incident, but according to its official statement last Wednesday, it has already taken steps to ensure the safety of the victim. An investigation into the matter was also conducted.

The incident has also been reported to the Department of Education (DepEd). On Thursday, the school announced that the student responsible for the bullying has been dismissed as they probe the others who are supposedly involved in the incident.

According to information received by GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, the bullying victim no longer wanted to go to school because of the trauma. After a medical checkup, the victim was still getting headaches until now.

The school principal is coordinating with the Davao City Police. The DepEd Davao Region said that they will monitor the case.

“Our schools are considered as zones of peace… We have a responsibility to really give flesh with respect to the protection of our children,” said DepEd Davao Region spokesperson Janielito Atillo.

Atillo said that the school must ensure that there is a proper response to the matter, or else they will be held accountable. He reminded schools that there is an obligation for them to have working child protection and anti-bullying policies.

“Dapat po natin ma-monitor ang mga estudyante na pasaway, ‘yong mga posibleng mambully, dapat makausap na at magkaroon na ng proper guidance para hindi maulit ang ganong insidente,” said Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director PCOL. Peter Madria.

(We should monitor misbehaving children, those who may bully others; they should be spoken to and given proper guidance so that these incidents will not be repeated.)

The school stated that they will refine their policies to combat bullying. —Jean Mangaluz/LDF, GMA News