BCPO urges restraint, support in student incidents

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) on Friday urged the public to refrain from sharing videos, photographs and other materials involving minors as authorities coordinate with schools, parents and other stakeholders over recently reported incidents involving students.

In a press statement, the BCPO said its Women and Children Protection Desk was working with concerned parties to ensure the incidents are properly investigated and addressed, with the welfare and protection of the minors as primary considerations.

The police said cases involving children require an approach that balances accountability with protection, guidance and appropriate intervention.

The BCPO, under City Director PCOL Ruel D. Tagel, said families and institutions also have a role in helping children understand the consequences of their actions, respect others, resolve conflicts appropriately and make better choices.

The police acknowledged public concern over the incidents but called for restraint in circulating material that could identify or further expose the children involved.

Further dissemination of such material could unnecessarily expose the minors, aggravate the situation and interfere with interventions being undertaken by authorities, schools and families, the BCPO said.

The police urged the public to allow appropriate processes to proceed and avoid actions that could further harm, stigmatize or expose the children.

The BCPO also called on parents, teachers, students and the wider community to work together to prevent bullying, violence, harassment and other harmful behavior, and to promptly report concerns involving children through proper channels.

“Violence, bullying, harassment, and abuse have no place in Baguio City,” the BCPO said in its statement.

“Protecting children while guiding them toward accountability and positive change is a shared responsibility of families, schools, law enforcement, and the community,” it added.