Metro Manila, Philippines – Students who commit serious acts of violence, repeatedly bully classmates or make bomb threats could be removed from school as the Department of Education (DepEd) enforces stricter disciplinary measures aimed at keeping campuses safe.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Sept. 1, DepEd said severe offenses may result in non-readmission, immediate exclusion and referral to law enforcement or social welfare authorities under DepEd Order 006, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE).
The department has also directed schools to intensify the implementation of the guidelines as part of broader school security measures.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said students should be given an opportunity to correct their behavior, but not at the expense of other learners’ safety.
“Nais natin magbigay ng pagkakataon para magbago ang ating mga mag-aaral, ngunit hindi natin kailanman ikukumpromiso ang kaligtasan ng nakararami. Ang paaralan ay dapat maging ligtas at tahimik na lugar para sa lahat,” Angara said.
[Translation: We want to give our students an opportunity to change, but we will never compromise the safety of the majority. Schools must be safe and peaceful places for everyone.]
The tougher enforcement comes amid heightened concerns over violence and security threats in schools, prompting DepEd offices to reiterate policies on campus security.
Under the policy, disciplinary action escalates depending on the seriousness of an offense and whether a student repeatedly violates the rules.
Minor or first-level infractions may result in a written reprimand, notification of parents and guidance counseling.
Second-level or serious offenses, including repeated bullying and online harassment, may lead to an immediate suspension of up to five days and mandatory referral to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
A second offense may result in non-readmission, while a third could lead to exclusion from school.
Third-level or high-risk offenses involving severe physical harm, bomb threats or dangerous hoaxes carry heavier consequences.
Students may face non-readmission on the first offense and permanent exclusion on the second. Such cases will also trigger immediate referral to law enforcement authorities.
School heads may impose a 30-day preventive suspension while an investigation is underway if a learner is considered a continuing threat to campus safety.
After a bullying report
Once a bullying incident or safety threat is reported, a school’s Child Protection Committee is required to immediately investigate and ensure the victim’s safety.
Mental health and psychosocial support must also be provided to affected learners.
Teachers will handle behavior considered a precursor to bullying, while a Learner Formation Officer will intervene in second-level offenses that cause harm and provide recommendations to the school head when necessary.
Third-level offenses will be resolved by the school head, who will determine the appropriate sanction. Parents of the learner involved must be informed throughout the disciplinary process.
For serious threats, schools are required to coordinate with the Philippine National Police, DSWD, local government units and communities.
DepEd said referrals to outside authorities could also expose offenders to possible criminal liability or custody interventions, depending on the offense and circumstances of the learner.
Weapons, violence won’t be tolerated
Angara warned that DepEd would impose the toughest available sanctions for students who endanger others.
“Kung ang isang estudyante ay gagamit ng dahas, mananakit, magdadala ng patalim o baril, mag-aaksaya ng oras sa paggawa ng bomb threat jokes o pranks, o patuloy na mambubully ng kaklase, hindi natin ito papalampasin,” Angara said.
[Translation: If a student uses violence, hurts someone, brings a knife or gun, makes bomb threat jokes or pranks, or continuously bullies a classmate, we will not let it pass.]
“Ipatutupad natin ang pinakamabigat na parusa kabilang ang pagpapatalsik sa paaralan at direktang pag-turnover sa mga awtoridad,” he added.
[Translation: We will impose the harshest penalties, including removal from school and direct turnover to the authorities.]
DepEd clarified that non-readmission does not immediately remove a student from school. It allows the learner to finish the current academic year but bars them from re-enrolling in the same school the following year.
Exclusion, on the other hand, immediately removes the student from the school’s active rolls. DepEd said the learner’s education must still continue through alternative educational interventions.
