5 DAYS SUSPENSION for 15 minors involved Pinget bullying case; BCPO eyes possible legal action

BAGUIO CITY — Fifteen minors involved in the reported bullying and mauling incident at Pinget National High School have been given a five-day suspension, while the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) is preparing for possible legal action depending on the outcome of the assessment of the children and the decision of their parents.

The five-day suspension was imposed as an administrative disciplinary measure during a multi-stakeholder meeting at the school on August 28, 2026, according to Baguio City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) Officer Liza Bulayungan.

The meeting was attended by the school's Child Protection Committee (CPC), Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children of Pinget, Pinsao Proper and Pinsao Pilot, CSWDO, BCPO Station 2, parents and guardians, and the learners involved, including the minor who was allegedly mauled.

Bulayungan said the suspension was decided by the CPC under applicable provisions of Department of Education Order No. 06, series of 2026.

However, BCPO City Director P/Col. Ruel Tagel clarified that the school suspension does not prevent authorities from pursuing possible criminal or civil cases.

15 minors face assessment

Tagel said 15 students, all minors, were identified as being involved in the incident.

The BCPO is awaiting the CSWDO's assessment on whether the minors acted with discernment—or whether they understood the nature and consequences of their actions—before determining the appropriate legal action.

If the parents of the minor victim decide to pursue a complaint, the police may file the appropriate case once the required assessment has been completed, Tagel said.

Even if the parents choose not to file a complaint, the BCPO may still pursue a case involving Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), with the police potentially acting as the nominal complainant, he added.

Possible offenses being considered include physical injuries under the Revised Penal Code, depending on the medical findings concerning the victim.

Tagel also mentioned the possibility of grave coercion or threats in connection with allegations that the victim was forced to the ground and made to pose for humiliating photographs under threat of further physical harm.

The handling of the minors will be guided by Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, as amended by RA 10630, Tagel said.

CSWDO to assess each child

Bulayungan said the CSWDO will conduct individual assessments of the minors to determine discernment and examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The assessments will be used in preparing Individual Intervention Programs (IIPs) appropriate to each child.

“We have to be thorough in determining whether or not they acted with discernment,” Bulayungan said, adding that the office will prioritize the case to expedite its report.

Aside from the suspension, the stakeholders agreed on measures intended to protect the minor victim and provide rehabilitation, support, legal assistance and social welfare interventions for the children involved.

The barangays of Pinget, Pinsao Proper and Pinsao Pilot also committed to strengthen community-based interventions for the protection and welfare of the children.

Follow-up meetings will be held to check compliance with the agreed measures and monitor the safety and welfare of those involved.

Timeline of Pinget incident

The incident reportedly occurred at around 3 p.m. on August 26, outside Pinget National High School, and involved Grade 9 and Grade 10 students.

A video showing the alleged assault subsequently circulated on social media, drawing widespread public attention and calls for authorities and the school to act.

On August 28, Pinget National High School issued a statement condemning violence, bullying and abuse and appealed to the public to stop sharing the video, noting that the children involved are minors.

The same day, the school facilitated the multi-stakeholder meeting where the five-day suspension and other interventions were agreed upon.

The Baguio City Government and BCPO also appealed to the public to refrain from circulating the footage and to allow authorities and social workers to handle the case through the proper procedures.

The BCPO Cybercrime Unit has also initiated steps to have online posts and videos involving the minors removed.

The case remains under assessment by the concerned authorities, with the welfare and protection of the minors and due process being considered in determining the next legal and administrative steps.