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DOJ Directs Prosecutors to Handle Bullying Cases Amid Rising Incidents
The Philippine Department of Justice will soon release an anti-bullying policy empowering prosecutors nationwide to receive and handle complaints, a response to a surge in school violence. The initiative aims to provide swifter support to victims and ensure proper resolution of cases.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will release an anti-bullying policy next week that will allow its prosecutors and action centers nationwide to receive and handle bullying complaints. The move comes in response to school violence incidents in Tacloban City and Cavite just as classes opened last month. Three students were killed and 20 others injured in a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22. Meanwhile, eight students were hurt in two separate school stabbing incidents in Cavite. Justice Undersecretary Ian Dato stated in a press briefing on Thursday that prosecutors "may assess, mediate, or refer the complaint to the schools that have primary jurisdiction in the incident." He added, "Or they may refer it to the women and children protection desk of the PNP (Philippine National Police), or receive and docket the complaint." These actions will be guided by Department Circular No. 20, the DOJ's policy on case-buildup by prosecutors. The DOJ hopes this new policy will help victims and their parents by addressing the rising number of bullying cases.
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Inquirer NewsInfo