The Department of Education (DepEd) is strengthening its crackdown on campus bullying, physical assault, threats, and other serious offenses, with penalties that may include non-readmission, exclusion from school, and referral to law enforcement or social welfare authorities.
The measures are outlined in DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), which consolidates learner protection protocols and reinforces the Department’s zero-tolerance approach to violence and serious disruption in schools.
DepEd said the guidelines will be implemented in coordination with partner agencies, local government units (LGUs), law enforcement authorities, and communities to address safety concerns both inside and outside the school environment, including online threats and harassment.
“Nais natin magbigay ng pagkakataon para magbago ang ating mga mag-aaral, ngunit hindi natin kailanman ikukumpromiso ang kaligtasan ng nakararami. Ang paaralan ay dapat maging ligtas at tahimik na lugar para sa lahat,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
Under the policy, serious offenses require immediate inter-agency action. Schools must coordinate, when necessary, with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), LGUs, and other relevant authorities to address threats to learners and the wider school community.
When a bullying incident or safety threat is reported, the school’s Child Protection Committee must promptly investigate, protect the victim, and provide appropriate mental health and psychosocial support. Disciplinary measures will depend on the nature and severity of the offense.
Minor or first-level infractions may result in a written reprimand, notification of parents, and guidance counseling. Second-level or serious offenses, including repeated bullying and online harassment, may lead to suspension of up to five days and mandatory referral to the DSWD. A second offense may result in non-readmission, while a third offense may lead to exclusion.
Third-level or high-risk offenses, including acts that cause severe physical harm and bomb threats or dangerous hoaxes, may result in non-readmission on the first offense, permanent exclusion on the second, and immediate referral to law enforcement authorities.
School heads may also impose a preventive suspension of up to 30 days while an investigation is ongoing if a learner is considered a continuing threat to campus safety.
For bullying cases, the guidelines provide a streamlined intervention process. Teachers handle and resolve incidents involving precursors to bullying, while the Learner Formation Officer intervenes in second-level cases that cause harm to other learners or stakeholders and makes recommendations to the school head. Third-level cases are resolved by the school head, who also imposes the appropriate sanction. Parents or guardians of the learner-offender are informed at every level.
DepEd also emphasized that administrative sanctions do not prevent external authorities from pursuing appropriate action. Depending on the offense, referral to law enforcement or social welfare agencies may result in criminal liability or custody and protective interventions.
Angara warned that DepEd will strictly enforce the measures to protect learners and maintain safe and orderly schools.
“Kung ang isang estudyante ay gagamit ng dahas, mananakit, magdadala ng patalim o baril, mag-aaksaya ng oras sa paggawa ng bomb threat jokes o pranks, o patuloy na mambubully ng kaklase, hindi natin ito papalampasin. Ipatutupad natin ang pinakamabigat na parusa kabilang ang pagpapatalsik sa paaralan at direktang pag-turnover sa mga awtoridad,” Angara said.
DepEd clarified that non-readmission prevents an offender from re-enrolling in the school for the following academic year while allowing the learner to complete the current school year. Exclusion, meanwhile, immediately removes the learner from the school’s active rolls, while learning continuity may be maintained through alternative educational interventions.
