With an average of 82 campus violence cases reported since November 24, 2022, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday (April 12) vowed to impose stricter measures to address acts of bullying in schools.

This renewed focus on anti-bullying comes after a recent viral incident involving a female student allegedly being attacked by several classmates inside a classroom at Bagong Silangan High School.

On Saturday, the Philippine National Police reported that two Grade 8 students, both 14 years old, were stabbed to death after a group of Grade 9 students ganged up on them just outside a public school in Las Piñas City.

Reacting to the reports of violence the DepEd emphasized that bullying has no place in schools, as it reiterated its commitment to fostering safe and supportive learning environments for all students.

In an official statement, the department stressed that every reported bullying incident is treated with urgency and seriousness. It highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure schools remain safe spaces for learners.

“Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, principal author of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (RA 10627), DepEd continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to child protection,” the statement read.

The department also underscored its continued collaboration with parents, teachers, and communities to ensure that learners feel secure and empowered in school settings.

During a recent Senate hearing, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations Dexter Galban reported that 1,314 cases of campus violence were recorded between November 24, 2022, and April 7, 2025, with about half of these involving student perpetrators.

DepEd noted that it regularly evaluates the functionality of school-based child protection committees and is actively enhancing its mental health services. It is also updating the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act and the Safe Spaces Act to address current issues like online harassment and peer violence.

To strengthen anti-bullying initiatives, the department is providing enhanced training for guidance counselors, child protection officers, school heads, and parents.

Starting School Year 2025–2026, the K to 10 curriculum will place greater emphasis on values formation, incorporating anti-bullying topics into subjects such as Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC), Values Education, and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao.

DepEd also said that students found to be involved in bullying will undergo counseling focused on empathy development, accountability, and behavioral improvement.