(Photo courtesy of Baguio PIO/ via Zaldy Comanda)
BAGUIO CITY -- There is no place for violence, bullying, or any form of abuse, especially against children and young people in Baguio City.
This was emphasized by Mayor Benjamin Magalong as he assured that the two separate violent incidents involving high school students are now being handled by the Baguio City Police Office.
Magalong urged the public not to circulate a video involving one of the cases to prevent online abuse.
"While we do not condone these acts among the youth, we should also respect the dignity, privacy, and well-being of the children involved."
He asked the public not to "share, repost, or further circulate the video" as further dissemination could expose minors to public shaming, harassment, insults, threats and other forms of online abuse.
Magalong urged the public to allow police authorities, school officials, and social workers to address the two separate cases judiciously.
“Let us not amplify violence. Let us protect our children and help build a safer, kinder, and more respectful Baguio,” he said.
The police said the two cases are being handled separately with details treated confidentially because minors are involved.
The first incident involving students reportedly occurred outside the school premises of a high school at around 3 p.m. on August 26.
Investigation report said complaints were filed with Police Station 2 and the minors involved, described as Grade 9 and Grade 10 students, have been identified.
Personnel of the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) coordinated with the school authorities while appropriate intervention was undertaken with the assistance of social workers.
Police Station 2 had scheduled another coordination meeting on August 28 to discuss the matter and the appropriate interventions.
The second incident reportedly involved Grade 7 and Grade 9 students from another secondary school and was reported to Police Station 5 at around 1 p.m. on August 27.
The incident allegedly happened during recess on August 24 inside a classroom causing an injury to the complainant.
Police said WCPD personnel coordinated with the school principal and class advisers and a dialogue was later held with the students and their parents or guardians with administrative sanctions expected to be imposed.