A PROMINENT private school in Davao City has launched an official investigation after a video of the bullying incident involving a student at its Junior High School (JHS) campus in Matina went viral on social media.
In an official statement, the Ateneo de Davao University confirmed that administrators acted immediately upon receiving the report to secure the injured student, notify the parents of all students involved, and endorse the case to the JHS Child Protection Committee.
The university expressed sympathy for the affected student and their family, noting that they have been receiving continuous guidance and counseling support since the incident.
According to AdDU, the Child Protection Committee is currently finalizing its findings in accordance with the Student Handbook, Republic Act No. 10627 (the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013), and Department of Education (DepEd) child protection policies.
School officials have formally reported the matter to DepEd and stated that students found responsible will face appropriate disciplinary sanctions and interventions following due process.
AdDU is also reviewing its existing campus safeguards to strengthen how faculty and staff detect, report, and respond to signs of bullying.
To shield the minors from online harassment and further distress, the university urged the public and the media to refrain from circulating names, images, or identifying details of any of the students involved.
Meanwhile, Davao City Police Office officials met with Ateneo administrators to strengthen campus security measures and emergency coordination.
DCPO director PCOL Peter B. Madria and Ecoland Police Station (PS 15) commander PMAJ Rosario Aguilar led the coordination meeting with junior high school principal Dr. Maria Carmela S. Abay.
Discussions centered on aligning security protocols and response strategies to protect students, faculty, and school personnel from potential threats.
Police officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining close partnerships with local educational institutions and community stakeholders to ensure a safe learning environment across the city.
