Nine-year-old Jonard Ensipido, a Grade 3 pupil at Maria Cristina Falls Elementary School in Iligan City, Region X, is now in critical condition after allegedly being beaten by five high school students on Monday.
According to the investigation, Jonard was on his way home when the group of youths ganged up on him. Despite his young age, Jonard helps support his family by harvesting coconuts while remaining dedicated to his studies.
The brutal attack left him with severe injuries, and he is currently confined at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City.
Bullying is a serious issue that causes lasting physical, emotional, and psychological harm to its victims. It is not only the responsibility of schools to address bullying, but also of parents to instill values of respect, empathy, and kindness in their children. Parents must actively monitor their child’s behavior, both in and out of school, and be willing to correct harmful attitudes before they escalate. When bullying occurs, parents of the aggressors should be held accountable, working with schools and authorities to ensure the behavior stops and the victim receives justice. Teaching children compassion at home is the first and most powerful step toward ending the cycle of violence.
