PRO-9 Swiftly Acts on Viral School Bullying Incident in Basilan

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA — The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) has moved quickly to respond to a viral case of school bullying in Isabela City, Basilan Province that involved a minor who sustained serious injuries.

The disturbing incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, occurred on June 25, 2025, inside a school campus and drew strong public concern. The father of the victim initially sought a medico-legal examination at the Isabela City Police Station (ICPS), but was unable to complete the process as he needed to stay by his injured son's side at the hospital. The child was later transferred to a hospital in Zamboanga City for further medical care.

On June 30, the ICPS received an official letter from the school reporting the incident—confirming it to be the same one shown in the viral footage. In response, police immediately conducted an on-site inspection and coordinated with the school's guidance counselor to initiate intervention measures.

Parents and guardians of both the victim and the involved students were summoned for a case conference in line with the Department of Education’s Child Protection Policy. The ICPS, in close coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Isabela City, is now preparing the necessary documents for the filing of appropriate charges.

Authorities have also recommended sustained counseling and mandatory intervention programs for all parties involved. Safety measures are being implemented within the school to protect the victim and prevent similar incidents.

Two minors identified in the video, now classified as Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), were taken into custody and turned over to the CICL Center for proper intervention and rehabilitation under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

Police Brigadier General Roel C. Rodolfo, Regional Director of PRO-9, issued a strong statement: “The safety and well-being of every child is a top priority of the Philippine National Police. We will never tolerate violence or abuse inside our schools. Bullying is not merely a school matter it is a community issue. We are committed to taking firm action to protect our youth.”

PRO-9 underscored its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children by working closely with schools, families, and local agencies to address incidents involving minors with urgency, care, and legal diligence.

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