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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PBBM directs agencies to intensify probe into student-related crimes

PBBM directs agencies to intensify probe into student-related crimes

Published Aug 14, 2025 02:21 pm

At A Glance

  • President Marcos ordered the DepEd, DILG, and PNP to coordinate efforts in looking into these cases.
President Marcos has tasked education and law enforcement agencies with conducting a thorough investigation into recent incidents and crimes involving students and teachers, some of which occurred inside or near schools.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Mark Balmores)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Mark Balmores)
In a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos ordered the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Philippine National Police (PNP) to coordinate efforts in looking into these cases.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will also be involved in monitoring the implementation of DepEd’s child protection policy in all schools.
Castro stressed the need for immediate action, particularly in cases involving minors, noting the growing concern over youth mental health.
“Muli, kailangan po talagang maimbestigahan ito (Again, this must truly be investigated),” she said.
“Hindi po ito tutulugan at aaksyonan po ng mga concerned agencies. Agad-agad din po (This will not be ignored and will be acted upon by the concerned agencies immediately),” she added.
Recent reports have highlighted a number of violent incidents in and around schools, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of child safety measures and closer coordination between education officials and law enforcers.
Early this month, a senior high school student in Lanao del Sur reportedly fatally shot his teacher, who gave him a failing grade.
Asked about proposals to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 10 years old under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, particularly for minors “acting with discernment,” Castro said she has yet to discuss the matter with the President.
The current law, passed in 2006 and amended in 2013, sets the age of criminal responsibility at 15, with children below this age exempt from criminal liability but subjected to intervention programs if found to have committed offenses.
Child rights groups have consistently opposed lowering the age threshold, citing the need to focus on rehabilitation and protection rather than punishment, while proponents argue it could help address rising juvenile crime rates.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Claire Castro Juvenile deliquency JUVENILE JUSTICE
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