“Stop sharing the video; let us handle the problem”: Authorities, schools appeal to netizens as Pinget bullying incident in Baguio sparks outcry

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Authorities and school officials have appealed to the public to stop sharing a viral video showing a student of Pinget National High School allegedly being assaulted by fellow learners, saying the continued circulation of the footage could cause further harm to the minors involved.

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

The video shows a student lying on the ground while another male student repeatedly punches and kicks him and strikes him with a belt. Several other students are also seen in the area.

The footage subsequently spread across social media, drawing widespread public attention and calls for authorities and the school to take action.

But as the video continued to circulate, school officials and authorities also urged netizens to stop reposting or sharing it, stressing that the students involved are minors.

Pinget NHS: “Violence, bullying have no place”

Pinget National High School, in a statement issued on August 28, acknowledged the video circulating online and said it is addressing the incident through its established mechanisms.

The school stressed that it does not tolerate physical violence, bullying or any form of abuse and remains committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for its learners.

“The school is fully aware of a video circulating on social media involving our learners. We want to make our stance absolutely clear: there is no place for physical violence, bullying, or any form of abuse within our institution,” the school said.

It added that all reported misconduct is taken seriously and that it is committed to providing a safe, nurturing and supportive learning environment for all students.

School urges public to stop sharing video

The school also expressed concern over the continued circulation of the footage, particularly because the students involved are minors.

It said repeatedly sharing, reposting or circulating the video could further harm the children by exposing them to public shaming, online harassment, insults, cyberthreats and other forms of digital abuse.

The school also warned that continued circulation of the footage could contribute to a cycle of violence and trauma among the learners involved.

It appealed to the public to allow school officials, authorities and social workers to handle the matter while protecting the privacy, dignity and welfare of the students.

The school said its designated Child Protection Committee and administration are already managing the situation in accordance with existing protocols and school regulations.

“We earnestly appeal to the public and the online community to allow the proper authorities, school officials, and social workers to address the matter internally,” the school said.

City government: Let authorities handle the case

The Baguio City Government likewise called on the public to exercise restraint while authorities address the reported incidents involving minors.

According to the Baguio City Public Information Office, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said violence, bullying, harassment and abuse have no place in the Summer Capital, particularly when children are involved.

Magalong said the case is being handled by the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), under City Director P/Col. Ruel Tagel, in coordination with school officials and social workers.

He also urged the public not to circulate the video to prevent further online abuse against the children involved.

“While we do not condone these acts among the youth, we should also respect the dignity, privacy and well-being of the children involved,” Magalong was quoted as saying.

BCPO moves to remove posts involving minors

The BCPO and its Cybercrime Unit have also started the process of having online posts and videos involving the minors removed from social media platforms.

Tagel, as reported by several media outlets, said the action covers online posts and videos related to two separate incidents involving minors.

Authorities also noted that one account had posted details about some of the children and appeared to encourage violence, including serious threats.

The move is intended to prevent further exposure of the minors and stop online posts that could subject them to additional harassment or threats.

DepEd, school investigate separate incident

In a separate statement, Baguio City High School (BCHS) said it strongly condemns bullying, violence, harassment, intimidation and other acts that threaten the safety and well-being of its learners.

The school said it remains committed to providing a safe, respectful and child-friendly learning environment.

“Baguio City High School strongly condemns all forms of bullying, violence, harassment, intimidation, and other prohibited acts that compromise the safety and well-being of our learners,” the school said.

BCHS said it had already initiated an investigation and conducted conferences with the learners involved and their respective parents or guardians, with the proceedings still ongoing when the video was posted on social media.

It added that it is following applicable Department of Education policies on learner discipline, child protection, and the prevention and management of bullying.

“Appropriate disciplinary measures and interventions will be undertaken, while support and guidance are likewise being provided to the learners involved,” it said.

BCHS appeals for privacy

Because the learners involved are minors, BCHS said it cannot disclose confidential details about the case.

The school likewise appealed to the public to protect the privacy of the students and refrain from speculation or actions that could further affect them.

“As the learners involved are minors, the school cannot disclose confidential details of the case. BCHS respectfully appeals to the public to protect their privacy and refrain from speculation or actions that may further affect the learners involved,” the school said.

BCHS assured the public that it will continue to follow due process and child-protection measures while prioritizing the best interests of the learners.

Public reacts

The incident has also drawn strong reactions from citizens online, with many calling on authorities and school officials to take action.

Others, however, expressed concern over the continued sharing of the video, particularly because the students involved are minors.

Some social media users urged parents, schools and authorities to provide proper guidance and intervention rather than allowing the incident to become a source of further online harassment.

The public reactions came as authorities and schools continued to address the incident while asking netizens to stop sharing the footage.

For school officials and authorities, the priority is to address the reported incident through proper procedures while protecting the minors involved from further harm.