Department officials issued a warning that bomb threats and the introduction of deadly weapons into schools could trigger student exclusions, following a series of alleged attacks across the nation.
The alert came after a shooting incident at Bagong Silangan High School in Quezon City spread online, prompting authorities to investigate. The school confirmed that no incident or security breach occurred on its premises, but noted that a wave of misinformation had caused fear among parents and guardians.
Earlier in the week, an unidentified threat sent to a government education page led to the suspension of classes at Batangas City Integrated High School.
Officials stressed the importance of treating all threats seriously, citing recent incidents in both schools as examples of the potential danger.
Department regulations establish a three-tier discipline framework. First‑level offenses—such as profanity, vandalism, disruptive behavior, and the spread of false information—can result in written reprimands, parental summonses, and suspensions.
Second‑level violations—including stalking, physical injury, theft, intimidation, and harassment—may lead to mandatory suspensions, non‑readmission, and exclusion.
Third‑level offenses encompass the most serious breaches, such as hazing, homicide, murder, sexual assault, bomb threats, weapon possession, and related violent acts.
Penalties for third‑level offenses involve non‑readmission or exclusion, along with automatic referral to law enforcement and other relevant agencies.
Students who receive a non‑readmission order may complete the current academic year but will not be accepted for enrollment the following year. Exclusion orders require schools to remove the student from the class roster while still allowing continued learning through alternative educational interventions.
The department aims to foster an inclusive, protective, and accountable environment throughout the country’s basic education system.
