School in gun-toting incident mulls raps vs parent, tightens security on campus

Officials of an exclusive school in Makati City are considering filing a suit against the man accused of pointing a gun at one of their students.

In a press conference on Thursday, the legal counsel of Colegio San Agustin, Ulpiano Sarmiento, said CSA was mulling the filing of an administrative case against Allan Bantiles based on the Education Act of 1982. An internal investigation, however, into the allegation against him is still ongoing.

“The law considers parents and guardians as school community members. They are legally bound to cooperate with the school … in its impositions of conduct. Parents are given rights and privileges, such as entering the school campus during certain events, which can be revoked if they are found guilty of grave misconduct or remiss in their responsibilities,” Sarmiento added.

Bantiles, a businessman, reportedly pointed a gun at the head of a student, Jamie Garcia, on August 30, in the school’s receiving area. The incident was witnessed by faculty members.

Based on reports, Bantiles was getting back at Garcia who allegedly earlier punched the former’s son Joshua, also a student at the same school, during an argument.

The story first broke out when Garcia’s grandmother called up a radio station to report Bantiles’ actions. The two families have since filed charges and countercharges against each other.

Meanwhile, the school clarified that “our silence did not mean inaction on our part.”

In a statement, school rector Fr. Horacio R. Rodriguez listed down the steps taken by the school since the incident, which included temporarily banning Bantiles from the school premises and beefing up campus security.

In addition, the school has suspended and given counseling to the boys involved in the bullying controversy.

Other security measures enforced in the school after the incident includes mandatory bag inspections at all entrances and exits and enforcing tighter measures for persons who want to enter the premises.

This informs the filling out of a form and the issuance of a pass. Those visiting a friend on the campus are also required to call first to ensure that they are there on legitimate business.

In addition, closed-circuit television cameras are now being installed around the campus.

Sarmiento reminded the public that the gun-pointing incident and the bullying controversy were two separate cases.

“The problem is, some parents aren’t satisfied with the penalties,” he said. The sanctions for bullying range from community service, suspension or dismissal.

High school assistant principal Remedio Basilio, meanwhile, said that they were enforcing a “restorative, not punitive” approach in bullying cases.