The Department of Education (DepEd) further intensified its campaign to curb bullying, physical assault, and intimidation on campuses by implementing strict sanctions, including non-readmission, immediate expulsion from school, and mandatory referral to authorities for students with serious violations.
According to DepEd, this campaign is being carried out in collaboration with partner agencies, local government units (LGUs), the police, and local communities in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure safer learning environments.
“Nais natin magbigay ng pagkakataon para magbago ang ating mga mag-aaral, ngunit hindi natin kailanman ikukumpromiso ang kaligtasan ng nakararami. Ang paaralan ay dapat maging ligtas at tahimik na lugar para sa lahat,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
The unified protocols for the protection of students are contained in DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE).
DepEd explains that under the policy, various agencies will take immediate action when serious violations are recorded. School management will directly coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), LGUs, and communities to address safety threats, whether inside the school or online.
Likewise, DepEd has set appropriate sanctions based on the level of violation.
For First-level or minor infractions: a written reprimand, notification to parents, and guidance counseling will be imposed.
For Second-level or serious offenses such as repeated bullying and online harassment: there will be a suspension of up to five days and mandatory referral to the DSWD for the first offense, non-readmission for the second, and direct exclusion for the third.
Third-level or high-risk acts such as severe physical assault, bomb threats, or dangerous hoaxes: will result in immediate non-readmission for the first offense, permanent exclusion for the second, and formal referral of the case to the authorities.
School heads also have the power to impose a 30-day preventive suspension while an investigation is conducted if the student poses an ongoing threat to campus safety.
For incidents of bullying, DepEd said that the process is more direct. Teachers directly handle and resolve bullying signals.
For Second-level offenses that are harmful to other students and stakeholders, the Learner Formation Officer will intervene and make a recommendation to the school head, depending on the situation.
Third-level offenses will be resolved by the School Head, who will also impose appropriate disciplinary action. At all levels, parents of the offending student are notified.
Aside from administrative sanctions, DepEd emphasized that referral to external authorities could lead to potential criminal liability or custody intervention, depending on the severity of the offense.
Secretary Angara warned that the department will strictly enforce its zero tolerance policy against any form of disorder and violence.
“Kung ang isang estudyante ay gagamit ng dahas, mananakit, magdadala ng patalim o baril, mag-aaksaya ng oras sa paggawa ng bomb threat jokes o pranks, o patuloy na mambu-bully ng kaklase, hindi natin ito papalampasin. Ipatutupad natin ang pinakamabigat na parusa kabilang ang pagpapatalsik sa paaralan at direktang pag-turnover sa mga awtoridad,” Angara said.
Meanwhile, DepEd clarified that under non-readmission, the student will not be allowed to enroll in the next school year but will complete the current year. In the event of exclusion, the student will be immediately removed from the school’s records and his/her studies will only be continued through alternative educational interventions. (JEG/PIA-NCR)