Teen stabbed after class in San Carlos City

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A Grade 10 student allegedly stabbed and injured his Grade 9 schoolmate after class dismissal outside a school in Barangay 2, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday.

Police Lt. Col. Nazer Canja, San Carlos City police chief, said the incident stemmed from a grudge between rival teenage groups.

The victim sustained a stab wound to the body and was taken to the San Carlos City Hospital, where he is recuperating.

Before the stabbing, a commotion involving the groups of the victim and the suspect, both 17, occurred in a public comfort room in Barangay Palampas.

Canja said the suspect was later apprehended during a pursuit operation by responding police officers.

Authorities also recovered a knife allegedly used in the incident.

Because those involved are minors, authorities said the case is being handled with utmost care to ensure that legal procedures and child protection protocols are followed.

Canja said the case is being investigated by the Women and Children Protection Desk.

The San Carlos City police also committed to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and assured the public that appropriate charges would be filed against those found responsible in accordance with existing laws and juvenile justice procedures.

The incident happened a day after a fatal shooting involving two minor students at a school in Tacloban City that left three students dead and at least 20 others wounded.

The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region called on parents, guardians, schools and community leaders to remain vigilant and actively guide young people toward peaceful conflict resolution and responsible behavior.

The regional office emphasized that schools remain generally safe environments for learners, but incidents involving young people may still occur beyond school premises.

Through intensified police visibility, youth engagement programs and collaboration with local government units, schools, parents and community stakeholders, PRO-NIR said it aims to address conflicts among young people before they escalate into violence.

Police said they are also strengthening community-based crime prevention initiatives by extending efforts beyond educational institutions and into neighborhoods and communities.

Meanwhile, Julio Ledesma National High School said in a statement that it had directed all faculty members to conduct class debriefing sessions.

The school said the victim had informed his class adviser about a perceived threat before the incident.

The adviser instructed the learner not to leave the school campus while efforts were being made to contact the parent or guardian.

However, the learner reportedly ignored the adviser’s instruction and left the campus despite the precautionary measures being taken.

The school said it remains vigilant and responsive to issues affecting the community and continues to do its utmost to ensure the safety and protection of all learners.

To further strengthen campus safety, security measures have been intensified, and faculty meetings are being conducted to review and enhance existing protocols and interventions.

The school administration also called on parents and guardians to closely monitor, guide and communicate with their children, especially on concerns that may affect their safety and well-being.