DepEd monitoring Ateneo probe on 'bullying' incident —official

The Department of Education (DepEd) is already monitoring the reported bullying incident involving an Ateneo Junior High School student that was caught on video.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV on Friday, DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said the department is letting the school's administration conduct its own investigation but may intervene if one party is not satisfied with the results.

"Our regional director has written the principal of the school stating na itong matter na ito ay nakaabot na sa aming kaalaman and we trust that they will handle this based on the standards of the child protection policy and that we be updated on the matter," he said.

Malaluan said DepEd has jurisdiction over private schools as far as implementation of policies is concerned.

Anti-bullying law

In a statement, the DepEd said Republic Act No. 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 requires all public and private kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools to submit a copy of their child protection or anti-bullying policy to the Division Office within six months from the effectivity of DepEd Order No. 55 or the law's Implementing Rules and Regulations.

"The same shall be submitted to the Regional Director in addition to the requirements for an application for permit to operate and/or recognition as prescribed by the existing rules of the Department," it said.

The DepEd said private schools that fail to comply with the requirements of RA 10627 or of the IRR may face penalties under the law.

Penalty?

Malaluan, meanwhile, refused to comment on what penalty can be slapped on the offending party in the bullying video as this will be based on the result of the school's investigation.

"That (penalty) must be based on the facts that will be established," he said, but added that DepEd can come into the picture if one of the parties is not satisfied with the investigation.

"Of course kung meron na mga parties na will not be satisfied, let's say some of the parties, let's say the victims, with respect to the appreciation of facts, then there's a possibility that it will reach the Department of Education first through our divisions and regions and ultimately the central office," he said.

He stressed that "at this point," the primary responsibility is with the school.

"We have to treat this sensitively because it involves minor students," Malaluan said.

Viral video

In the video that has since gone viral on social media, an Ateneo Junior High school student appeared to verbally taunt another student inside the restroom as another one took the video. After making the student choose whether to kiss his shoes and his private part or be beaten, the student proceeded to beat the other.

In a statement, Ateneo Junior High School Principal, Jose Antonio P. Salvador, said the school is already dealing with the matter seriously and has conducted an investigation.

"The video, taken at face value, depicts an evident act of violence that constitutes a serious violation of disciplinary misconduct," he said.

Zero tolerance

The DepEd, in its statement, said it has issued Order No. 40 in 2012 institutionalizing "zero tolerance" against any form of violence against children.

The same order also provided for the establishment of a Child Protection Committee (CPC) in all public and private schools.

Meanwhile, Rule IV of DO 55 underscores that the bullying prevention program in schools "shall be comprehensive, multifaceted and shall involve all education stakeholders and personnel."

It orders schools to develop intervention strategies like counseling, life skills training, education and other activities that will enhance the psychological, emotional and psycho social well-being of victims, bullies and other parties who maybe affected by the bullying incident.

The DepEd also encourages learners who experience or witness bullying, abuse, or retaliation to speak up and report verified incidents to their peers, parents, teachers, and the appropriate authorities for proper intervention.

"Any information relating to the identity and personal circumstances of the bully/ies, the victim/s, or the witness/es shall be treated with utmost confidentiality by the CPC and the school personnel," it said. —KBK, GMA News