After student stabbing, DepEd asks parents to step in

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Schools Division Office of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental strongly encouraged parents and guardians to remain actively involved in matters involving their children that may affect their safety and overall well-being.

The statement came after a Grade 9 student was allegedly stabbed and injured by his Grade 10 schoolmate after class dismissal outside Julio Ledesma National High School in Barangay 2, San Carlos City, because of grudges that stemmed from a dispute between rival teenage groups.

Both the victim and the suspect are 17 years old.

Police said the incident happened at about 3:40 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, in Teachers Village, Barangay 2, outside school premises and after class hours.

The Department of Education in San Carlos City acknowledged the incident and coordinated with the school administration on the appropriate steps to ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of the learner and the entire school community.

The circumstances surrounding the matter are being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation, while authorities continue to closely monitor the situation.

“We remain committed to ensuring that due process is observed while prioritizing the protection and welfare of the learner,” it stated.

In a statement, the concerned schools division office urged parents and guardians to maintain open communication with their children and provide guidance and support.

The school had earlier initiated class discussions and debriefing sessions in response to recent concerns affecting learner safety, emphasizing awareness, vigilance, and the importance of seeking assistance from trusted adults.

Following the incident, the school imposed enhanced security measures and strengthened coordination mechanisms.

The school community is also being guided through appropriate interventions to address concerns related to safety, protection, and psychosocial well-being.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region expressed deep concern over the recent stabbing incident involving minor students in San Carlos City.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office is taking the matter seriously and is moving forward with the necessary legal actions, while intensifying its community-based crime prevention initiatives.

The San Carlos incident followed the June 22 school shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where three students were killed and 20 others were injured.

Authorities said the Tacloban shooting involved two minor students, ages 14 and 15, and prompted national discussions on school safety, bullying, emergency preparedness, and the possible influence of violent online content.

While the San Carlos City incident did not occur within school premises, the PRO-NIR highlighted the importance of early intervention, strong parental guidance, and sustained collaboration among schools, communities, and law enforcement in preventing youth violence.

It stressed the critical role of early reporting and timely intervention in preventing conflicts from escalating into more serious incidents.

The PRO-NIR encouraged parents, guardians, teachers, school administrators, and community leaders to immediately report any signs of violence, bullying, threats, gang-related activities, or other behaviors that may place students at risk, stressing that children’s safety is a shared responsibility.

It also called on all sectors of society to remain vigilant and proactive, and to work together to identify concerns early, resolve conflicts peacefully, and ensure a safe, supportive, and violence-free environment for every learner.

While it acknowledged the schools’ own administrative systems, disciplinary mechanisms, and student welfare programs, the PRO-NIR noted that police involvement is intended to support and complement these efforts, not replace or supplant the authority and responsibilities of educational institutions.

It stressed that the presence of law enforcement in schools should foster security and confidence, not fear or intimidation.

The PRO-NIR recognized concerns that increased engagement between law enforcement and educational institutions may be misconstrued as the “militarization” of schools.

However, it emphasized that this is neither the intention nor the approach of the Philippine National Police, as school officials remain the primary authorities in maintaining discipline, promoting student welfare, and ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment.

Any police action within school premises shall be undertaken only when necessary, in close coordination with school authorities, and in strict adherence to established policies, child protection measures, and legal safeguards, it said.

The PNP’s role is centered on prevention, preparedness, and partnership, focusing on strengthening coordination with schools, conducting awareness campaigns, engaging the youth through community programs, assisting in emergency preparedness initiatives, and helping identify potential risks before they develop into acts of violence.