ADMU expels ‘bully’ student; Palace commends swift action

The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) has expelled the junior high school student who was involved in the bullying incident that went viral on social media.

In a statement, President Father Jose Ramon Villarin SJ said that after a “thorough investigation” and meeting with both parties concerned, the administration of the university decided to dismiss the bullying student.

“The decision of the administration is to impose the penalty of dismissal on the student caught bullying another student in the comfort room of the school,” Villarin said.

He clarified that the student will no longer be allowed to come back to Ateneo.

Malacañang commended the decision to dismiss the junior high school student and urged ADMU to wrap up its probe on the incidents soon, noting that it is far from over.

"The Palace commends

the school administration’s swift action on the case of this student. We note, however, that the investigation has yet to be concluded as regards the rest of those involved," he said.

"While we respect ADMU's academic freedom, we hope that it could finish the ongoing investigation the soonest and with regard to due process, in line with applicable jurisprudence on schools," he added.

Villarin also announced the formation of a task force to “conduct a comprehensive study’’ on how Ateneo’s anti-bullying policies are enforced as contained in the Ateneo’s Student Handbook.

The task force will assess and audit the concerned policies and make recommendations on how to create a bully-free atmosphere in the campus.

Villarin also asked the public never to be a part of the cycle of bullying.

After videos of the bullying incident went viral, netizens vented their ire on the bully student spreading his name and even his address despite him being a minor.

Villarin said the fight against bullying can be done by summoning the courage to “stop fighting one another.’’

He added that “we can begin by refusing to add fuel to the fire and helping our children and one another heal’’ while warning that “violent words and example” only wound young students.

The bullying incident of a youngster against an older and bigger student of the prestigious university drew public uproar, prompting Malacañang to call for a thorough investigation.

Reports said the bully, who has a martial arts background, cannot be held criminally liable, being only 14 years old.

The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) said it will conduct its own investigation whether to strip the student of his belt after reports said that taekwondo techniques were used to beat up the bullying victim.

Panelo said Malacañang is hoping that the incident will serve as a reminder to everyone that bullying should

never be tolerated.

"We are aware of several incidents of bullying that go unpunished by schools. We hope that this occurrence will serve as a reminder that bullying is something that should never be tolerated nor condoned in any civilized institution," he said.

"We thus urge all public and private educational institutions in the country to establish proper mechanisms to strictly monitor the activities of their students and ensure the strict implementation of Republic Act 10627, otherwise known as the Anti-Bullying Law," he added.

The Palace official, meanwhile, advised parents and guardians to make sure that their children are headed to the right path by being good examples themselves.

"We also advise all parents and guardians to keep guiding their children towards righteousness and to set a good example of uprightness for the youth to emulate. We consider this incident as a lesson for us to encourage our children to be more open when it comes to expressing their concerns both inside and outside their schools," Panelo said.