A student found responsible for a high-risk offense may be barred from returning to the same school the following academic year, even if it is the learner’s first violation, under the Department of Education’s stricter disciplinary rules.
High-risk offenses include inflicting severe physical harm, carrying deadly weapons, making bomb threats and committing dangerous hoaxes. These cases must also be referred to law enforcement or other appropriate government agencies.
The sanctions are provided under Department Order No. 006, series of 2026, which contains the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment.
“Nais natin magbigay ng pagkakataon para magbago ang ating mga mag-aaral, ngunit hindi natin kailanman ikukumpromiso ang kaligtasan ng nakararami. Ang paaralan ay dapat maging ligtas at tahimik na lugar para sa lahat,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said Tuesday.
For a first high-risk offense, the student may be placed under non-readmission and referred to the police, social welfare office or another concerned agency. A second offense may lead to exclusion from school.
Non-readmission allows a student to complete the current academic year but prevents the learner from enrolling in the same school the following year.
Exclusion takes effect immediately and removes the student from the school’s active rolls. DepEd said the learner must still be given access to alternative educational interventions to continue studying.
Students accused of high-risk offenses may also be placed under preventive suspension for up to 30 days while their cases are being investigated. School heads may impose the measure when the student is considered a continuing threat to learners or school personnel.
“Kung ang isang estudyante ay gagamit ng dahas, mananakit, magdadala ng patalim o baril, mag-aaksaya ng oras sa paggawa ng bomb threat jokes o pranks, o patuloy na mambubully ng kaklase, hindi natin ito papalampasin. Ipatutupad natin ang pinakamabigat na parusa kabilang ang pagpapatalsik sa paaralan at direktang pag-turnover sa mga awtoridad,” Angara said.
The order applies a different set of escalating penalties to serious offenses such as repeated bullying and online harassment.
A first serious offense may bring a suspension of up to five days, parental notification and referral to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. A second offense may result in non-readmission, while a third may lead to exclusion.
Minor violations carry lighter measures, including a written reprimand, guidance counseling and notification of the student’s parents.
Once a complaint is filed, the school’s Child Protection Committee must investigate, protect the reported victim and arrange mental health support.
Teachers are tasked with intervening when they observe behavior that could develop into bullying. Learner Formation Officers will handle serious cases, while school heads will decide cases classified as high-risk and impose the applicable sanctions.
DepEd said schools must coordinate with local government units, law enforcement agencies and social welfare offices in implementing the policy.
