Ateneo high school probes bullying incident

MANILA, Philippines — The administration of the Ateneo de Manila High School is investigating an incident involving a viral video showing a student bullying another in a restroom.

Ateneo principal Jose Antonio Salvador yesterday said they have initiated an investigation of the incident, which he said at face value depicts an evident act of violence that constitutes a serious violation of disciplinary misconduct. 

“The Ateneo Junior High School is dealing with this matter seriously beggining with an immediate investigation that ensued the moment the report reached us,” he said. 

Salvador also expressed concern over the risks associated with sharing the video, noting that the privacy rights of the minors have been breached and that it provoked reactions that do little in helping the school address the matter. 

“To the concerned individuals who have brought this matter directly to our attention, we thank you for your vigilance,” said the official. 

“May we appeal however to the rest to help in putting a stop to the indiscriminate spreading of the video,” he added. 

The video, which showed a student physically assaulting a fellow student in a restroom, went viral this week, drawing mainly angry reactions from netizens. 

The Department of Education (DepEd) called on the public to report incidents of bullying. 

In an interview with GMA News, DepEd director for legal services Suzette Medina said witnesses should intervene as victims are not likely to report the incidents. 

She said laughing at the situation may encourage the bully to think that there is nothing wrong with the situation. 

“Physical, mental, emotional, all of those that can harm another person, that is already bullying,” she was quoted as saying. 

She also encouraged victims to report the incidents.