₱800K settlement case ends viral Pinget High School bullying case; Decision made after victim said he didn’t want to ruin future of those involved

BAGUIO CITY — An ₱800,000 settlement has ended the reported bullying and mauling case involving 15 minor students of Pinget National High School, with the victim’s family choosing to settle the matter after the victim expressed forgiveness toward those involved.

The victim’s mother, in an interview with PTV Cordillera, said the decision was made after consulting her child and considering the future of the minors involved.

She said she did not want the future of the other children to be ruined because of decisions made by adults.

The mother said she asked her child whether he wanted to pursue a case against one of the minors involved. According to her, the child replied that he did not want to file a case and instead wanted the other student to continue his studies.

She also said her child, who was reportedly hurt and traumatized by the incident, expressed willingness to forgive those involved.

The reported assault occurred outside the school at around 3 p.m. on August 26, 2026. A video of the incident later circulated widely on social media, prompting public outrage.

On August 27, Pinget National High School appealed to the public to stop sharing or reposting the video, noting that the students involved were minors and that continued circulation could expose them to further trauma, online harassment and public shaming.

A multi-stakeholder meeting was subsequently held on August 28 involving the school’s Child Protection Committee, barangay child-protection councils, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, Baguio City Police Office, parents and guardians, and the learners involved.

The 15 minors were given a five-day suspension as an administrative disciplinary measure under Department of Education Order No. 06, series of 2026. Authorities clarified that the suspension did not prevent possible criminal or civil proceedings.

Police also assessed possible legal action based on the circumstances of the minors involved, including whether they acted with discernment.

Meanwhile, authorities strengthened security measures around the school following concerns about possible retaliation. Police and barangay officials also committed to strengthening child-protection interventions.

The victim’s grandfather appealed to the public, including relatives and Kalinga organizations, to stop circulating materials related to the incident following the settlement.

For the victim’s family, the settlement was not simply about ending the controversy but also about giving the minors an opportunity to learn from their actions and move forward.

The victim’s mother said her decision was guided by her child’s wishes and her belief in forgiveness, while recognizing that the incident was wrong and that the minors should learn from what happened.