CSA in Makati investigating ‘fighting’ between 2 minors; DepEd concerned

Colegio San Agustin (CSA) Makati is investigating the “fighting” incident involving two minors at one of the school’s toilets.

According to Oscar Oida’s “24 Oras” report on Tuesday, the video of the incident has circulated on social media.

The minors are Grade 9 students of CSA Makati.

“'Nang pumunta yung mga guards nakita nila, dalawang estudyante na may injury so they were brought to the school clinic. And soon after they discovered na hindi accident but it involved a fighting incident,” said Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada, legal counsel and spokesperson for CSA.

“This is a student discipline issue that involves violence and it is very serious and the school should stand up to it because the school does not condone violence and violent behavior,” he added.

At least 10 students are under investigation over the incident. They are also temporarily being kept from going to school.

“We will address this incident with proper interventions upholding fairness and justice to everyone involved,” said Fr. Dante Bendoy, OSA Rector of CSA Makati.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has expressed concern over the incident.

The DepEd said they were coordinating with CSA Makati regarding the matter.

“'Pag mayroon pong ganito, ang ating parents po ay pwedeng mag-report sa school head, school officials kung medyo sensitive at... pwede silang magreport sa ating schools division office,” DepEd spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said.

In a statement, Poa said the department would continue to monitor the developments of the incident

“The DepEd, through its Learner Rights and Protection Office, has been spearheading efforts against bullying, as well as all forms of abuse, in our schools. The alleged fighting incident involves a private school, over which DepEd only has reasonable supervision and regulation,” Poa said.

“We have instructed our Schools Division Office (SDO) to coordinate with the subject private school. We were informed that an investigation on the matter is already being conducted by school officials. We shall continue to monitor the developments,” he added. —Richa Noriega/NB, GMA Integrated News