Ateneo de Davao probes viral bullying video at Matina junior high campus

Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) has opened an official investigation into a bullying incident at its Junior High School campus in Matina, Davao City, after a video of the incident spread on social media, according to Mindanao Times.

In a statement, the university said administrators moved immediately after receiving the report. They secured the injured student, informed the parents of all students involved, and referred the case to the campus Child Protection Committee. AdDU said the affected student and their family have been receiving ongoing guidance and counseling since the incident.

The committee is finalizing its findings based on the Student Handbook, Republic Act No. 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, and the child protection policies of the Department of Education (DepEd), the university said. School officials have formally reported the matter to DepEd and said students found responsible will face disciplinary sanctions and interventions following due process.

AdDU added that it is reviewing its campus safeguards to improve how faculty and staff spot, report and respond to signs of bullying. It also asked the public and the media not to share names, photos or other details that could identify any of the students involved, to protect the minors from online harassment and further distress.

Separately, officials of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) met with Ateneo administrators to strengthen campus security and emergency coordination. DCPO director PCOL Peter B. Madria and Ecoland Police Station (PS 15) commander PMAJ Rosario Aguilar led the meeting with junior high school principal Dr. Maria Carmela S. Abay.

The discussion focused on aligning security protocols and response plans to protect students, teachers and school staff from potential threats. Police said they remain committed to working closely with schools and community stakeholders to keep learning environments in the city safe.