Ateneo Junior High School extends break to January 7 for anti-bullying measures

MANILA, Philippines — Following a bullying incident that went viral last week, the Ateneo Junior High School is moving the resumption of classes to January 7,  from January 3.

The school published the memo on their Facebook page Thursday afternoon.

"[The extension] is to allow the school administration, faculty, and staff ample time to prepare for the implementation of a series of concrete and proactive measure that will directly address the bullying issue on campus," the memo, signed by principal Jose Antonio Salvador, read.

On Sunday, Ateneo De Manila University said they dismissed the student who was caught verbally and physically attacking another student in a washroom of its junior high school.

Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin SJ, the university’s president, said the decision was made “after a thorough investigation that included listening to all parties involved.”

READ: Ateneo dismisses student in bullying video

Villarin addressed the bullying incident on Monday night, during his Christmas Eve homily at the university's Church of the Gesù.

“The events of the past few days have been quite challenging,” he said. “This dark episode, this darkness is far from over. Like you, I have been battered with all sorts of emotions inside: anger, grief, fear, despair, confusion.”

But said he was hopeful the community would be stronger after this incident.

“Yes, there is still fear, but the fear is not greater than our faith. Yes, there is still pain, but the pain is still not greater than our hope. And if hate and apathy seem to be enduring, these can never be greater than love,” he said.

READ: Bullying 'darkness' not over — Ateneo head

Following the viral videos, Malacañang and the Department of Education called for strict implementation of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 or Republic Act 10627, which requires schools to provide bullying prevention program in schools that should be “comprehensive, multifaceted and shall involve all education stakeholders and personnel.”

The bullying victim's family came forward with a letter on Monday, saying that rather than seeing their son as a "poster child for a bullied boy," the public should view the victim as a "young man of good moral foundation."

"Let every bully know that you may crush every single bone in his body, but you can never, no matter how frustrating you try, take away his dignity. Let every bully know that there is justice, and that crimes against the innocent will not prosper," they said. — Ryan Macasero with Janvic Mateo/The STAR