2 minors involved in Negros Occidental stabbing incident

Police in San Carlos City are looking into a stabbing incident involving two minors in Negros Occidental.

According to the initial investigation, per Digicast Negros, the incident took place after class hours at around 3:40 p.m. on June 23 in Teachers Village, Bgy. 2, San Carlos City. The suspect is a 17-year-old Grade 10 student; the victim, also 17, is in Grade 9. 

The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region said in a statement that the victim was injured in the lower right side of his abdomen. They were immediately brought to the San Carlos City Hospital for treatment. 

The suspect was arrested after a pursuit operation carried out by responding police officers. They also recovered the bladed weapon, which was supposedly used in the alleged attack. 

The initial probe found that the crime was carried out because of "old personal grudges." Reports also said that as the stabbing took place, a group of youths tried to confront neighborhood rivals. 

A statement from the Schools Division Office of San Carlos City, released on June 23, clarified that the incident took place outside school premises. 

"Upon learning about the incident, the Schools Division Office, in coordination with the school administration, immediately took appropriate steps to ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of the learner and the entire school community," the statement read.

According to the Schools Division Office, prior to the incident, the victim told a teacher about a possible threat from other students, but the conversation was postponed further into the school day. Classes were dismissed before the discussion could be picked up again. 

Per reports, the teacher still reportedly told the student to stay on campus while the school contacted the learner's parent or guardian. However, the student left the school grounds before their parent or guardian arrived. 

"The incident subsequently occurred," the Office said. 

"The Schools Division Office continues to closely monitor the situation and is working with the school administration, parents, and concerned authorities as the investigation proceeds," the statement continued. 

Police said the case is being pursued by the Women and Children Protection Desk of the San Carlos City Police Station. Appropriate charges are reportedly being prepared against the suspect according to juvenile justice laws.

Earlier, the school had already initiated class discussions and debriefing sessions to address concerns about safety in school. Learners were advised about vigilance and the importance of asking for help from trusted adults. 

Police assured the public that more details would be released in the course of the investigation.