8th grader injures seven Grade 5 students in Gen. Trias stabbing
Seven students were injured after a stabbing incident involving a 14-year-old female eighth grader.
As reported by The Philippine STAR, the girl, holding a kitchen knife, allegedly went into a Grade 5 classroom and attacked pupils at Bethel Academy in General Trias City, Cavite on June 16.
Investigators said the attack occurred while teachers were attending a meeting. A teacher later found the suspect still holding the knife and ordered the student to drop it, according to an ABS-CBN News report. The girl was immediately restrained afterward.
According to General Trias Mayor Luis Ferrer IV, two victims sustained serious injuries and required surgery.
Ferrer also said that the LGU would support the victims and their families. "Mayroon po tayo psychosocial intervention para po doon sa mga biktima, pamilya ng biktima, maging sa suspek po natin at lahat ng mga estudyante, lalo na po 'yung mga bata na kasama sa classroom. Nagpo-provide po ang local na pamahalaan ng medical assistance," he said.
The suspect has been placed under the custody of social welfare authorities for medical and psychological assessment.
The school is working with law enforcement agencies, local officials, and the Department of Education as investigations continue.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez condemned the incident, "Violence inside educational institutions is unacceptable, and we will work closely with school authorities and local government officials to prevent similar incidents from happening again."
The DepEd also called on the public to avoid sharing unverified information and to respect the rights and privacy of the children involved.
Meanwhile, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers said the incident highlights deficiencies in school staffing and student support services.
