The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the recent directive of the Philippine National Police (PNP), allowing incidents of bullying in schools to be reported through the 911 emergency hotline. This initiative is a significant step in enhancing child protection mechanisms by ensuring that cases of bullying can be urgently and easily reported.

However, CHR also emphasizes that the primary responsibility for addressing bullying in schools remains with the school administration. Educational institutions must ensure swift, appropriate, and child-sensitive responses to reports of bullying, in accordance with the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.

Furthermore, students alleged to be involved in bullying must not be treated as criminals. Interventions should focus on restorative and developmental approaches that aim to correct behavior, ensure accountability, and promote a culture of empathy and respect among peers. Every child—whether victim, perpetrator, or witness—deserves protection of their rights, dignity, and welfare.

CHR reiterates that the Philippines, as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, has an obligation to ensure protection and care for children necessary for their well-being. Article XV, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution also outlines the right of children to “special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation and other conditions prejudicial to their development.”

The Commission remains committed to working with the Department of Education, PNP, and other relevant stakeholders in efforts to prevent—if not totally eliminate—instances of bullying and addressing its negative impacts to children’s holistic development. ###