THE DEPARTMENT of Education has asked the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the alleged abuses at the Philippine High School for the Arts in Los Baños, Laguna.

It said that Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio requested the NBI “to provide a comprehensive report on the issue as soon as possible.”

The DepEd also tapped its Child Protection Unit and Child Rights in Education Desk to conduct a similar investigation in relation with its Child Protection Policy.

“PHSA has also informed the Department that they are examining the current and prior information on the matter,” the agency said.

“Concerns and complaints concerning such abuses in PHSA are encouraged to be submitted to the school’s Committee on Decorum and Investigation for proper and further actions,” it added.

The DepEd, together with the PHSA administration, is reviewing the school’s policies and strengthening its internal mechanisms to ensure the safety of the students inside the premises of the institution.

The agency also reiterated that it does not tolerate abuses in any form.