The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday welcomed the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) recent directive allowing school bullying incidents to be reported via the 911 emergency hotline.

The CHR views this initiative as a vital step toward strengthening child protection measures, "ensuring that cases of bullying can be reported promptly and more easily."

However, the CHR also stressed that the primary responsibility for addressing bullying in schools still lies with the school administration.

"Educational institutions must ensure swift, appropriate, and child-sensitive responses to reports of bullying, in accordance with the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013," the commission said in a statement.

"Furthermore, students alleged to be involved in bullying must not be treated as criminals," it added.

The CHR emphasized that interventions should prioritize restorative and developmental approaches aimed at correcting behavior, ensuring accountability, and fostering a culture of empathy and respect among students.

It also underscored that every child—whether a victim, perpetrator, or witness—deserves protection of their rights, dignity, and overall well-being.

"CHR reiterates that the Philippines, as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, has an obligation to ensure protection and care for children necessary for their well-being. Article XV, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution also outlines the right of children to special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development," the commission stressed.

Furthermore, the CHR reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Department of Education, the PNP, and other relevant stakeholders in efforts to prevent—and ultimately eliminate—bullying, as well as to address its harmful effects on the holistic development of children.

Earlier, PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced that cases of bullying can now be reported through the 911 emergency hotline.

“Bullying can be reported through 911. Our call takers will refer the reports to the local police stations, and our officers will coordinate directly with school heads," Torre said.

He said the move was part of the PNP's heightened efforts to combat bullying, following international reports that have labeled the Philippines as the “bullying capital of the world.”