Just one day into the new school year, a Grade 7 student at Mangaldan National High School in Pangasinan was reportedly punched and bullied by a classmate inside their classroom.

The alleged incident happened on Monday, June 16, 2025, inside a classroom.

According to the child’s mother, it started with what seemed like harmless teasing, but escalated quickly.

The student’s classmate allegedly called over friends from another section, and one of them punched the victim in the eye.

“Nanginginig ang anak ko noong dumating ako dito at makita ko siya. Ayaw na niya mag-aral. Sinabihan ko na lang siya, kung puwedeng babantayan ko siya habang nag-aaral, gagawin ko — pumasok lang siya sa school,” the student's mother said.

The 12-year-old student was left with a bruise near the eye. His parents rushed to the school for help.

“Durog na durog ako. ‘Yung anak ko, excited na pumasok sa school, tapos ilang oras pa lang ang lumipas, ganyan na ang nangyari sa kanya,” the mother added.

The school principal confirmed that no teacher was inside the classroom at the time of the alleged incident as it happened right after break time.

Mangaldan National High School has launched an investigation. The school said it does not tolerate bullying and has already called in the parents of those involved.

“Nai-report na ito sa guidance office para doon ang counselling at doon din ang reprimand. Kung paulit-ulit na itong gagawin, ay may suspension na,” Principal Eduardo Castillo said.

Families of some of the students allegedly involved chose not to comment on the alleged incident but said they are considering of transferring their children to another school if necessary.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) has strengthened its anti-bullying efforts through the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO), which will visit schools to educate students about their rights and how to prevent bullying.

“It’s the obligation po ng mga school heads na kapag may mga ganoong issues sa paaralan, ay dapat ma-i-report agad dito sa LRPO,” DepEd Region 1 Information Officer Cesar Bucsit said.