Ateneo de Davao dismisses junior high student over viral bullying video

Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City has dismissed a junior high school student identified as responsible for a bullying incident captured in a widely shared video, according to Rappler.

The video showed one student repeatedly hitting and kicking another inside a school comfort room while the student on the receiving end did not fight back. The school said on November 13 that the dismissal took effect immediately and that its investigation into other aspects of the incident is ongoing.

Two days earlier, on November 11, the university said it had acted at once to make sure the harmed student was safe and had notified the parents of everyone involved. The case was referred to the junior high school child protection committee and elevated to the Department of Education (DepEd). The school said the affected students have been receiving guidance and counseling since then. "We are deeply sorry for the pain and distress they have endured," the university said.

The school also said it has a duty to shield all students involved from public judgment, online harassment and further harm, and pledged continued support for the student who was hurt.

Ateneo de Davao has directed its University Task Force on Bullying Prevention and Safe Learning Environments to review how bullying complaints are handled, along with its policies and support services. According to the school, the task force will also look at how its formation and pastoral care programmes can build empathy, respect and the willingness to step in when others are being harmed, and will recommend stronger guidance, counseling and spiritual support for affected students and families. This includes helping students who have harmed others to understand the consequences of their actions and take responsibility.

The university said violence and bullying will not be tolerated and that those who harm others will be held accountable through due process.

Under Republic Act 10627, the Anti-Bullying Act, schools must enforce anti-bullying policies, ensure incidents are properly investigated, and put rehabilitation measures in place for everyone affected.