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DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Ateneo de Davao bullying incident has prompted renewed concerns over student safety after the university dismissed a junior high school student allegedly involved in a physical assault captured in videos circulated on social media. The disciplinary action followed an internal investigation and due process, while authorities and school officials continue coordinating on the case.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, the university confirmed that the student had been dismissed from junior high school effective immediately following due process.

The university also said its investigation into other aspects of the incident, including the possible involvement of other students, remains ongoing.

The case has drawn public attention and renewed concerns about student safety, school accountability, and the enforcement of anti-bullying policies in Davao City.

Video of Alleged School Assault Circulates Online

The incident reportedly occurred on November 5 at the university’s Junior High School campus in Matina, Davao City.

Videos circulated on social media showing a student being physically assaulted inside a school restroom. The footage raised concerns among parents and members of the public about the safety of learners within educational institutions.

Reports also indicated that the incident involved verbal abuse and physical violence.

The university’s administration said it acted after receiving a report, took steps to ensure the safety of the affected student, and informed the parents of the children involved.

The case was subsequently referred to the school’s Junior High School Child Protection Committee for investigation.

Ateneo Acknowledges Shortcomings in Student Safety Measures

In its November 11 statement, Ateneo de Davao University expressed concern over the incident and apologized for the distress experienced by the affected student and family.

The university said the student and family had been receiving guidance and counseling support.

It also acknowledged shortcomings in its efforts to ensure student safety and committed to strengthening its existing protective measures.

The administration said it would improve how faculty members and school personnel recognize warning signs of bullying, report incidents, and respond to complaints.

Following the completion of its initial deliberations, the university announced the dismissal of the student on November 12.

Ateneo emphasized that violence and bullying have no place in its educational community and that students found responsible must be held accountable while respecting due process.

DepEd and Police Authorities Involved

The incident has also prompted coordination between the university and government authorities.

Ateneo confirmed that it had reported the case to the Department of Education (DepEd) and was following applicable child protection policies and anti-bullying regulations.

DepEd Davao City also confirmed that it had received information about the incident, with the matter being elevated through the department’s reporting procedures.

Meanwhile, officials from the Davao City Police Office met with school administrators to discuss campus security and emergency coordination.

The police engagement highlights the importance of cooperation between educational institutions and law enforcement agencies in maintaining safe school environments.

Davao City Has Its Own Anti-Bullying Ordinance

The incident has also brought renewed attention to Davao City’s existing measures against bullying.

Davao City Ordinance No. 0192-23, Series of 2023, also known as the Anti-Bullying Ordinance of Davao City, provides a framework for preventing and addressing bullying in educational institutions, workplaces, and other public areas.

The ordinance recognizes different forms of bullying, including:

• Physical bullying, such as hitting, kicking, pushing, and other unwanted physical contact.
• Verbal bullying, including name-calling, insults, and threatening language.
• Psychological bullying that causes emotional distress.
• Cyberbullying committed through electronic devices and online platforms.
• Retaliation against individuals who report bullying or participate in investigations.

The ordinance reinforces the city’s commitment to protecting individuals from abusive behavior and encouraging institutions to establish appropriate prevention and response mechanisms.

What the Anti-Bullying Act Requires Schools to Do

At the national level, Republic Act No. 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, requires elementary and secondary schools, both public and private, to adopt policies addressing bullying within their institutions.

The law provides a framework for identifying, reporting, investigating, and addressing bullying incidents involving students.

Schools are expected to establish procedures for handling complaints, protecting affected learners, and imposing appropriate disciplinary measures against students found responsible.

The Department of Education also issued revised implementing rules and regulations in 2025 to strengthen the implementation of anti-bullying policies and improve learner protection.

These measures emphasize that preventing bullying requires more than disciplinary action after an incident. Schools must also establish systems that encourage students to report abuse and ensure that complaints receive proper attention.

Protecting Students Must Remain a Priority

The Ateneo de Davao incident serves as a reminder that bullying and physical violence in schools require serious attention from administrators, teachers, parents, and authorities.

While disciplinary action is an important part of addressing misconduct, protecting affected students and preventing similar incidents should remain central to every school’s response.

The university has appealed to the public and media organizations not to circulate names, photographs, or other identifying details of the minors involved to prevent further harm to the children.

As the investigation continues, questions about school safety, early intervention, and the effectiveness of existing anti-bullying measures remain important issues for the Davao City community.

Every student deserves to attend school in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and protected from violence.