The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday, Sept. 16, urged schools to take a more “active role” in the prevention of violence following the death of a Grade 10 learner due to an alleged incident of hazing.
“The Department will ensure that investigations will be carried out immediately,” DepEd said in a statement.
“We deeply regret and sympathize with the family during this difficult time and pray that they be accorded the justice that they deserve,” DepEd added as it enjoined schools to take a more active role in the prevention of violence.
Meanwhile, DepEd strongly condemned any violence perpetrated against learners and strictly implements the Anti-Hazing Act that prohibits the conduct of hazing or any initiation rites associated with fraternities, sororities and similar organizations.
“We have released issuances prohibiting the practice of hazing in schools and imposed sanctions for violations,” it added.
DepEd said that under its Order No. 7 , s. 2006 titled “Reiterating the prohibition of the practice of hazing and the operation of fraternities and sororities in elementary and secondary schools,”,schools are instructed to “coordinate” with local units of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in order to “monitor and control the proliferation of fraternities, sororities and similar organizations in elementary and secondary schools in their respective areas.”
Moreover, through DepEd Order No. 3, s. 2021 or the Child Protection Unit, the department also reiterates its commitment to a “zero-tolerance policy against all forms of abuse, exploitation, discrimination and bullying.”
DepEd said that any act of gang-related or fraternity violence committed by learners shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of DepEd Order No. 18, s. 2015 or the Guidelines and Procedures on the Management of Children-At-Risk and Children in Conflict with the law.