Senator Win Gatchalian has raised alarms over the growing violence among minors, particularly incidents of disruptive behavior and brutal altercations, including stabbings. He said such cases highlight the urgent need for stronger anti-bullying, mental health, and guidance and counseling programs in schools.
Gatchalian said that for this month alone, three separate cases have already been reported. One incident occurred outside Rizal High School in Pasig City where two students, one in Grade 7 and another in Grade 10, were stabbed during a school altercation. Another incident involving learners aged 13 to 17 took place in Iloilo City, where a brawl resulted in two students being stabbed. Another piece of information has reached the office of Gatchalian that two female minors were stabbed in the face while inside the premises of an elementary school in Marikina.
The Senate Committee on Basic Education chairman urged the Department of Education (DepEd), law enforcement agencies, and local government units (LGUs) to collaborate on strengthening interventions that address the root causes of these violent incidents. Gatchalian also called on parents and communities to be vigilant and actively engage in guiding the youth.
“Dumadami na ang mga insidente ng ganitong pananaksak na mismong mga menor de edad ang sangkot. Schools should all have proper security measures, guidance programs, and support systems to prevent such conflicts from escalating,” Gatchalian pointed out.
“Violence among students reflects deeper societal issues, and we must address these concerns collectively to protect the safety and future of our children. Sending our children to school is not just about preparing them to be academically competitive; it’s also about shaping their character and values, which they should carry with them and apply beyond the school walls,” Gatchalian stressed.
Tagged as the “bullying capital of the world,” based on international large-scale assessments, the Philippines should have already been implementing the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Republic Act No. 12080), which Gatchalian authored and sponsored.
The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) recently submitted its proposed amendments to the implementing rules and regulations of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10627). Under the proposed amendments, public and private elementary and secondary schools would be required to adopt localized anti-bullying policies that are regularly updated. The amendments also seek the designation of discipline officers responsible for enforcing school policies and managing student behavior.
