DepEd probing viral bullying in Quezon City high school

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) is investigating a viral bullying in Quezon City, where a number of high schoolers were filmed taking turns in pulling a student's hair.

In a letter to the Quezon Police District on Friday, April 4, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said he has ordered the Bagong Silangan High School to speed up its investigation and extend support to affected students.

Angara said he sought police assistance, in particular its women and children protection desk.

“Your specialized training, experience and established protocols in handling such cases are instrumental in ensuring that all parties, especially the children involved are treated with compassion, dignity, and due process,” he wrote.

In a separate statement, the DepEd said it is reviewing the school’s compliance with anti-bullying policies.

The agency added that it is providing additional training to school personnel to ensure proper response to such situations.

“A meeting has been scheduled with the school’s child protection committee to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all parties are properly heard,” Dennis Legaspi, the agency’s media relations chief said.

A latest report from the Second Congressional Commission on Education showed that bullying continues to be a silent and persistent issue among schools.