Grade 11 student hurt in La Castellana mauling

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The parents of a 16-year-old Grade 11 student plan to file a formal complaint against three other students and their companion for allegedly mauling him outside a public high school in Barangay Robles, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, last week.

Police Maj. Romulo Gepilango V, chief of the La Castellana Municipal Police Station, said the incident occurred July 29 but was reported only on Aug. 3 after a video of the commotion circulated on social media.

An investigation showed that three students ages 17 to 19 and their 26-year-old companion allegedly punched and kicked the victim as he was about to leave the school on a motorcycle.

The victim went to the police station with his mother and reported the attack several days later because he feared for his safety.

Gepilango said the group allegedly ganged up on the victim after seeing him outside the school following the dismissal of classes.

The four were not enrolled at the same school as the victim, Gepilango said.

Gepilango said the group reportedly targeted the victim after learning that he was friends with their rivals.

He said two groups of young people had been involved in a misunderstanding that led to personal grudges, but the victim did not belong to either group.

The victim sustained bruises and minor scratches, according to Gepilango.

The parents and guardians of those involved met Tuesday with barangay officials and representatives of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and the Women and Children Protection Desk to discuss the incident and possible interventions.

Gepilango said the parties failed to reach a settlement because the victim’s parents intended to pursue a physical injuries complaint against the group.

Those involved were allowed to go home after the meeting pending the filing of a formal complaint.

The incident followed a series of student-related violent encounters reported since June.

Authorities have strengthened school safety measures to prevent violence involving students, particularly amid concerns that young people can be easily influenced through digital platforms.