By Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA
MANILA — The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) decided on Sunday to penalize a junior high school student seen beating up a fellow student in the school’s restroom in a video that went viral on social media.
In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, ADMU president Jose Ramon Villarin, S.J. explained that the penalty forbids the concerned student from returning to the university.
“I have spoken to the parents of both students about this decision and have offered the families continued support to help them overcome this difficult time. We are continuing the investigation as there are other matters involved in the incident,” Villarin said.
He stressed that ADMU has a clear stand against bullying, which is detailed in the related policies and procedures in their student handbook in accordance with the current legislation.
Villarin added that he created a task force to “conduct a comprehensive study of the current situation, ensure an independent audit of their current measures and systems, and recommend ways to create a safer and bully-free environment.”
Acknowledging that the bullying incident is painful for both families of the students involved, Villarin requested the public not to make it more painful for them by expressing “words of hatred and violence and help them to heal instead.”
More videos showing the same student bullying other kids have also gone viral on the internet.
In a text message to reporters, Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla said they are working on their statement about ADMU’s decision on the case.
“Secretary Briones [is] now convening key people to validate the report and formulate response,” she said.
