DepEd Probes Student Stabbing at Antique National School

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of Education Schools Division of Antique has launched an internal investigation into a stabbing incident involving students at the Antique National School on Thursday, July 3.

The altercation reportedly began after a confrontation between two groups of students over a missing cellphone.

The students were allegedly on their way to the guidance office when a heated argument escalated into a stabbing.

Initial police reports indicated that a 15-year-old Grade 10 student allegedly pulled a knife from a classmate’s bag and stabbed two others—a 15-year-old Grade 7 student and a 17-year-old Grade 12 student.

The Grade 7 victim suffered a stab wound to the right side of the body, while the Grade 12 student sustained a minor abdominal injury and has since been discharged from the hospital.

In an official statement, DepEd Antique condemned the act of violence, stating that the incident violates the department’s Child Protection Policy.

“An internal investigation is underway to determine the circumstances that led to the incident,” it said.

“The Schools Division Office is closely coordinating with the school administration, concerned authorities, and stakeholders to ensure that appropriate interventions and disciplinary actions are taken in accordance with existing laws and DepEd policies,” the statement added.

DepEd Antique said the case has been referred to the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Desk for further investigation and legal action.

Parents of the involved students were also summoned by the school administration for a conference.

Psychosocial support services are being provided to the victims, their families, and other students affected by the incident.

Authorities said the suspect was apprehended shortly after the stabbing in a hot pursuit operation and was turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.