Grade 9 student fatally stabbed by peer at Las Piñas school

A Grade 9 student died after being fatally stabbed by a fellow ninth-grader inside school premises in Las Piñas City on Friday, July 31. In an initial report, the Southern Police District said two male students of Las Piñas National High School, 13 and 14 years old, had an altercation during recess in front of a classroom on the school’s fourth floor. The 14-year-old “drew a bladed weapon” and stabbed the 13-year-old “at the left portion [of the] chest,” said the police. The victim was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, while the student who stabbed him was taken into police custody. Minors 15 years old or below are exempt from criminal liability and must instead undergo an intervention program, according to Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. The Las Piñas National High School administration confirmed the incident, saying that it happened despite strict security guidelines. It said it would provide psychological first aid and other interventions to students, teachers, and staff. “Nananawagan din kami sa mas matibay na ugnayan ng tahanan, paaralan, at komunidad tungo sa paghubog ng mga mag-aaral na may disiplina, paggalang sa kapuwa, at pananagutan,” added the school. (We call for stronger coordination between homes, schools, and communities in molding students with discipline, respect for others, and accountability.) Meanwhile, the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Las Piñas City said it is “working closely with local authorities, barangay officials, and the Philippine National Police as they conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter.” “Appropriate actions and administrative reviews are also being undertaken regarding the security measures and protocols at the school,” said the SDO. The incident came over a month after the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City last June 22, which left three students dead and 20 others injured. The shooting prompted the Department of Education to review school safety protocols and security measures. The DepEd ordered stricter enforcement of bag checks, among others. Education Secretary Sonny Angara previously said they will seek higher funding for security guards and metal detectors. – Rappler.com