Alarmed by a viral video showing two Grade 7 students in a fistfight and a string of recent school security concerns, the Cebu City Council has ordered a legislative inquiry to assess whether existing child protection and anti-bullying programs are enough to address violence among students.
Councilor Jun Alcover raised the issue during the council’s regular session on Tuesday, Aug. 4, calling for a closer review of government and school interventions amid growing concerns over youth violence.
Alcover initially proposed an executive session involving three council committees. However, the council later agreed to refer the matter to the Committees on Peace and Order, Education, and Youth for a joint public hearing in aid of legislation.
The inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding the recent fight involving two Grade 7 students of Talamban National High School and determine whether existing city programs on bullying prevention, counseling, and child protection need further strengthening.
The councilor cited a video that circulated online on Aug. 3 showing two minors fighting near San Isidro Parish Church in Barangay Talamban.
The incident reportedly happened on July 29 but gained public attention only after the footage spread on social media.
Alcover said the video showed one student being repeatedly attacked while several bystanders recorded the incident instead of stopping the confrontation.
A case conference was later conducted involving the Women and Children Protection Desk of the Talamban Police Station, barangay officials, Talamban National High School representatives, and other concerned agencies.
The parties agreed to place both minors under a diversion program supervised by the Department of Social Welfare and Services in coordination with the school and barangay.
The victim was also scheduled for medical examination, with related expenses to be covered.
While recognizing the response of authorities and school officials, Alcover said the incident highlighted broader issues involving bullying, peer pressure, exposure to violent content online, conflict management among young people, parental supervision, and mental health concerns.
“The incident is not merely about two students engaging in a physical fight. It is a reflection of a deeper concern affecting our youth today,” Alcover said.
He added that the viral spread of the video also exposed the minors to public scrutiny despite laws protecting the privacy and welfare of children.
The councilor said the inquiry should go beyond the single incident and review the effectiveness of existing mechanisms involving schools, barangays, parents, law enforcement agencies, and social welfare offices.
The hearing will also examine the implementation of Republic Act No. 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013; Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act; and Republic Act No. 9344, as amended by Republic Act No. 10630, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
The council is expected to invite representatives from the Cebu City Police Office Women and Children Protection Desk, Department of Education-Cebu City Division, Department of Social Welfare and Services, Barangay Talamban, Talamban National High School, and its Parents-Teachers and Community Association.
Alcover’s call came as Cebu City continues to address a series of school safety concerns.
He also raised concerns over online posts allegedly threatening attacks against schools in the city’s mountain barangays, including Binaliw National High School, Mabini Integrated School, Agsungot Integrated School, and Guba National High School.
He likewise cited a reported bomb threat received by a private university in Barangay Banilad on Tuesday.
Authorities later cleared the campus after security inspections found no explosive device, while an investigation continues to identify the source of the message.
Earlier, Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. created the Cebu City Task Force Against School Violence, a multi-agency body tasked with improving campus security, strengthening mental health interventions, and developing programs to prevent violence involving students.
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