Student stabs 2 classmates in Zamboanga school, bullying suspected

A Grade 11 student stabbed and wounded two classmates who allegedly bullied him Wednesday morning inside a classroom at Cabaluay National High School in Barangay Cabaluay, Zamboanga City. Initial police investigation showed the stabbing occurred after the two victims allegedly beat up the smaller-built suspect inside the classroom, according to Maj. Chester Natividad, chief of the Zamboanga City Police Office Criminal Investigation Division Management-Special Investigation Unit. The student then pulled out a small kitchen knife wrapped in paper and stabbed the two classmates. Both victims were rushed to a government hospital for treatment, while the suspect was taken to the school’s office of the guidance counselor. Police and barangay officials said the suspect had previously been subjected to bullying and peer pressure from the same students. Initial interviews also indicated that the victims pressured the suspect to smoke marijuana. Authorities are investigating the alleged drug involvement and how the weapon was brought onto school grounds. The identities of the students, all minors, have been withheld. The Department of Education assured the public that the Schools Division Office of Zamboanga City is closely monitoring the situation and is working with the school administration to ensure that proper interventions, including support services for the affected learners and the school community, are provided. The agency also urged the public to allow authorities to complete their investigation and refrain from spreading unverified information. “Let us continue to support our schools in promoting a culture of respect, understanding, and care for all learners,” DepEd said. In a separate development, another possible act of school violence was prevented in Cavite after authorities identified a Grade 10 student allegedly behind a threat at General Mariano Alvarez Technical High School. According to the Schools Division Office of Cavite, the school immediately activated its safety protocols after receiving information about the alleged threat. “The school immediately implemented established safety protocols and immediately coordinated with the Department of Education, local government unit and Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as the parents of the student involved and other relevant authorities to take immediate action,” DepEd said. The student is now under the custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. “Necessary security measures have also been implemented to ensure the safety of the entire school community. We encourage everyone to avoid spreading unverified information or rumors that may cause excessive fear and confusion. Please rely only on official announcements from the school and the relevant authorities,” DepEd added The PNP backed DepEd’s proposal requiring mandatory bag inspections in schools. – Bella Cariaso, Emmanuel Tupas