DAVAO CITY — An Ateneo de Davao Junior High School student has been dismissed following an online video that captured a physical assault inside a school comfort room on November 5.
While the school withheld specific details about the incident, an official statement released last Wednesday confirmed that an investigation was conducted and immediate measures were implemented to safeguard the victim. The matter was subsequently reported to the Department of Education (DepEd).
On Thursday, the school announced the dismissal of the student responsible, while investigations continue regarding other individuals allegedly involved.
Reports from GMA Regional TV One Mindanao indicated that the victim experienced trauma severe enough to cause school refusal, alongside lingering headaches following a medical examination.
The school principal is actively coordinating with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), while the DepEd Davao Region stated it will closely monitor the proceedings.
“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 stressed that schools must deliver a proper response or face accountability, reminding educational institutions of their mandatory obligation to enforce 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.
In response to the incident, Ateneo de Davao University announced plans to refine its anti-bullying policies moving forward.