DOJ tasks prosecutors to handle bullying cases

Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) will release next week an antibullying policy that will allow its prosecutors and action centers nationwide to receive and handle bullying complaints.

The move was taken by the DOJ following incidents of school violence in Tacloban City and Cavite just as classes opened last month.

Courses of action

Three students were killed, and 20 others were injured in a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22, while eight students were hurt in two separate school stabbing incidents in Cavite.

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“They may assess, mediate, [or] refer [the complaint] to the schools that have primary jurisdiction in the incident,” Justice Undersecretary Ian Dato said in a press briefing on Thursday. “Or they may refer [it] to the women and children protection desk of the PNP (Philippine National Police), or receive and docket the complaint.”

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These actions will be based on Department Circular No. 20, the DOJ policy on case-buildup by prosecutors, he added.

The DOJ hopes to help victims and their parents through this new policy addressing the rising cases of bullying. /cb