Parents of student mauled at Ateneo de Davao campus to file charges against 15-year-old

The parents of a junior high school student who was assaulted inside the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) campus in Matina, Davao City, plan to file criminal charges against the 15-year-old suspect, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) confirmed, according to Mindanao Times.

DCPO spokesperson PMAJ Teresita Gaspan said investigators verified that both the victim and the suspect in the November 5 incident are Grade 9 students and are minors. The motive for the attack is still being determined, she said, but the victim's family has been briefed on the investigation and has decided to take legal action.

Because the suspect is a child in conflict with the law, police are awaiting an assessment by a social worker. This evaluation of discernment is required under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act to determine criminal liability. "So, we are waiting for the discernment and the assessment that the social worker will conduct," Gaspan said.

The police update came after AdDU said in an official statement that the student primarily responsible for the assault at its Matina junior high school campus had been dismissed following an internal review.

The university said its Junior High School Child Protection Committee is still looking into whether other students were involved. The incident drew wide public attention after a video of the assault spread online.

AdDU also said it has endorsed the case to the Department of Education (DepEd) and is reviewing its campus safeguards in line with the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, or Republic Act No. 10627.