PNP ready to act on bullying case if asked by Ateneo

December 21, 2018

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is waiting for the result of investigation by Ateneo Junior High School on the reported bullying on Thursday. In an interview at Camp Crame, PNP Deputy Spokesperson Superintendent Kimberly Molitas said: '' We are waiting for the school administration of Ateneo to inform (us) or coordinate with our policemen if they find it necessary that we intervene." "We do hope that there will be coordination the soonest possible time so we can see how we can help. . Remember these are children and we do not want this to be repeated. We also want to give the right intervention so this will not happen," said Molitas. In a social media post that spread like wildfire, a smaller student was kicking a taller one in a bathroom after the former taunted him to choose between getting beaten up or maintaining his dignity. Ateneo Junior High principal Jose Antonio Salvador said in a statement Thursday night :" The Ateneo Junior High School is treating his matter seriously beginning with an immediate investigation that ensued the moment the report reached us." Molitas said the Anti-Bullying Act of  2013 " defines the procedure on how we go about bullying." She said it spells out what school administrators do in these cases. "Well by law it is their job to inform the law enforcement of the incident that is provided in the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013," added Molitas. Molitas said although the PNP allows the independence of Ateneo to do the initial investigation, the police are hoping for prompt action and to find out what really happened. DMS