Ateneo de Davao expels student involved in bullying incident

Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) has dismissed the male Junior High School student involved in a bullying incident inside a school campus comfort room on November 5.

The institution also formed a task force on bullying prevention.

In a statement posted on its social media page, AdDU said it has completed the disciplinary proceedings against the student found responsible for the incident.

A video circulating on social media showed the student kicking a fellow male student inside a comfort room, beating him with a mop, and hitting him with a belt. 

The incident reportedly occurred following the school’s earthquake drill.

“Following due process, the student has been dismissed from the Junior High School, effective immediately. Our inquiry into other aspects of the incident, including the involvement of other students, continues,” AdDU said.

Following the incident, which raised concerns among parents and the public, the university established the University Task Force on Bullying Prevention and Safe Learning Environments to review how bullying concerns, both past and present, have been reported, addressed, and followed through.

AdDU said the task force would take a learner-centered approach and listen to students, parents, faculty, and staff to identify gaps in existing safeguards and recommend improvements.

The university also assured those who come forward that their concerns would be handled with confidentiality, sensitivity, and respect. The task force will also recommend measures to make reporting safer and more accessible, strengthen protection against retaliation, and ensure timely action and sustained support for affected learners.

“This incident calls us to humility, reflection, and action. We must face where we have fallen short and strengthen the ways we protect and care for every learner entrusted to us. We owe our students and their families both accountability for what happened and meaningful steps to prevent further harm,” AdDU said.

The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Davao Region said it was closely monitoring the university’s investigation into the bullying incident, noting that private schools have the authority to conduct their own investigations into such cases.

“We will await for the outcome of this. We will respect the conduct of the investigation and we will spotlight our attention. Ang instruction ng ating regional director ay tutukan itong pangyayaring ito,” DepEd Davao Region spokesperson Dodong Atillo said in an interview with a government television station.

“If ever na any of the parties will not be amenable to the outcome of this effort, pwede nila i-elevate sa Department of Education. And that’s the time that DepEd will take charge of the incident,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian also expressed deep concern over the bullying incident and extended his heartfelt sympathy to the victim and his family.

Gatchalian called for stronger programs to combat violence in schools and promote the safety and welfare of students.

“Bullying has once again reared its ugly head — this time at the Ateneo de Davao University Junior High School. I urge the Ateneo de Davao University to strengthen its anti-bullying measures, including mental health support and counseling services, to prevent similar incidents in the future,” he said in a statement.