The Department of Education (DepEd) will impose its highest administrative sanctions on students found guilty of bringing deadly weapons to school or making bomb threats under its learner behavior guidelines, warning that offenders may face non-readmission or expulsion.
According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, based on the strengthened Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE) guidelines of the Department of Education (DepEd), students found guilty may face non-readmission or expulsion.
The DepEd said it has adopted the ESMLE, which harmonize all DepEd issuances on school safety by providing unified guidance on security measures, incident reporting procedures, and mental health and psychosocial support.
"These offenses also include joining street gangs; cheating during exams; making bomb threats or jokes; inflicting serious physical injuries, whether inside or outside the school; bringing illegal drugs and liquor," DepEd said in a statement.
"Acts of lasciviousness; bringing deadly weapons such as firearms, ammunitions, explosives and bladed weapons; sharing demeaning and sexual videos of oneself or other learners and school personnel," it added.
The department said schools are mandated to immediately refer cases involving these serious violations to the proper authorities to ensure appropriate legal and social welfare interventions.
Initially issued under DepEd Order No. 006, series of 2026, the guidelines are now fully in effect, classifying these acts as critical security violations in all public schools.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed hope that the stricter penalties would help deter potential acts of violence in schools, citing recent incidents such as the school shooting in Tacloban and stabbing cases involving students in other parts of the country.
"Enough to prevent further incidents. Definitely matatakot talaga 'yun," Angara said.
