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‘Victim’ in Ateneo bullying incident showed strong moral foundation — family statement
The bullying victim of the Ateneo junior high school student seen in a viral video showed strong moral foundation when he chose to preserve his self-respect rather than fight back at his fellow student, the parents of the minor said in a statement on Monday.
The parents said this is what they wish the public to see instead of the minor being the poster child of a bullied boy.
"We want you to see that he is not a loser and that he does not deserve to be pitied; rather, he should be exalted for his sense of dignity and justice beyond his years," the statement read.
They said their son would have been subjected to a more inhumane treatment had he chosen 'dignity' over 'bugbog.'
As shown in the video that went viral, by dignity, the bully would have the victim kneel and kiss his shoes and private parts.
"Thus, our son chose his true sense of dignity – choosing instead to be subjected to physical assault rather than surrender his self-respect. And that is what we are fighting for. Our dignity," the parents said.
The parents said they felt outraged upon seeing the viral two-minute video, but had to remain silent over the issue to ensure the protection of their son and help him heal.
"He did not do anything to deserve this kind of treatment from his classmates. But, despite what happened, we will not let this incident damage our son – he will heal from this, and we will ensure that he will grow up with his morality and values intact," they said.
The family extended its gratitude to the people who helped the minor. They likewise called on other bullying victims to stand up in keeping their dignity intact.
"Let every bully know that there is justice, and that crimes against the innocent will not prosper. Let every bully know that there is a God who favors the humble and the weak," the statement said.
"With this I say to all the children who had been bullied, and to all the parents whose child had been pushed against the wall, 'never give up!' Let your voices be heard. Let us not give up the very essence of our being. Our dignity," it added.
