Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing a directive mandating local prosecution offices to receive complaints related to bullying. In a news briefing on Thursday, DOJ Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato said the department order will be issued in line with Secretary Fredderick Vida's commitment to strengthen the government's response to bullying by giving victims and their families assistance.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOJ plans to issue a department order tasking local prosecution offices or the Department of Justice Action Center to receive complaints for bullying. Local prosecution offices and the DOJ Assistance Center (DOJAC) will assess complaints, mediate disputes when appropriate, or refer cases to schools, which have primary jurisdiction over the incidents.

Schools may also endorse complaints to the Philippine National Police's (PNP) Women and Children Protection Desk or formally docket cases. Dato emphasized the DOJ's commitment to protecting children under both the Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"This is a serious commitment of the department, and this department order will be issued by next week," Dato stated. He stressed that the order intends to give victims and their parents easier access to government assistance, ensuring they are not limited to seeking relief through schools alone.

Dato concluded, "I just need to emphasize that this is a way for the victim and the parents to have access, that aside from the school, they have other agencies that will approach and investigate."