Philippines strengthens crackdown on school bullying

The Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) has intensified its crackdown on school bullying, physical assault, and threats through DepEd Order No. 006, series of 2026. The new guidelines establish a graduated system of disciplinary measures, warning that habitual offenders could eventually face removal from school. Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated that while the department aims to provide opportunities for students to change, it will not compromise the safety of the majority.

In support of these efforts, the Department of Justice (DOJ) recently conducted an anti-bullying information workshop at Bagong Tanyag Integrated School in Taguig City. Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato advised students against seeking personal retribution, urging them to trust legal processes and seek assistance from authorities. The workshop follows concerns regarding school violence and shooting incidents where retaliation for bullying was cited as a motive. Officials emphasized that bullying remains a punishable offense even if it occurs within a two-kilometer radius of a school.