Angara seeks police help in QC school bullying case

Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Friday called on the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) to assist in addressing a bullying incident at Bagong Silangan High School after a viral video showed a female student being assaulted by several classmates inside a classroom.

In a letter to QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Melecio Buslig Jr., Angara underscored the need for professional handling of the case, noting that minors were involved.

“The Department of Education (DepEd) has initiated internal protocols to ensure that the matter is addressed with urgency and care,” Angara stated.

“While we have instructed the school to expedite its investigation and extend support to the affected learners, we also recognize that certain aspects of the incident may require your office’s expertise — particularly in maintaining the safety of the school community,” the letter added.

To strengthen the response, Angara requested collaboration between DepEd’s Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) and the Philippine National Police’s 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 said.

The education department earlier ordered a swift investigation into the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting students from all forms of bullying.

“We have instructed the school to expedite the investigation and provide the necessary support to the involved learners,” said DepEd Media Relations chief Dennis Legaspi in a separate statement.

He added that resolving bullying cases requires the active participation of all stakeholders. “We emphasize that addressing bullying requires a unified and comprehensive approach. It is imperative that learners, teachers, parents, and school leaders work together to establish a safe and supportive environment for all members of the school community.”

According to Legaspi, the DepEd central office aims to complete its investigation “as soon as possible” and will also convene the school’s Child Protection Committee to address the issue thoroughly.

Support services will be extended not only to the victim but also to other students involved in the incident. Additionally, the LRPO will assess the school’s adherence to the anti-bullying policy, assist with preventive and responsive measures, and provide staff training if necessary.