A 17-year-old student of Julio Ledesma National High School was injured in a stabbing incident outside the school premises in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.
The victim, identified only as “Christian,” is a resident of Urban Phase 4 in Barangay Rizal. He was taken to a hospital for treatment after the incident, which occurred at around 1 p.m. on June 23.
School principal Joven Cahaban confirmed that the victim is a student of the school and said the stabbing did not occur inside the campus.
Police have launched an investigation to determine the identity of the suspect and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
In a statement released later Tuesday, Julio Ledesma National High School addressed the incident and outlined measures it had taken in response to growing concerns about student safety.
The school administration said it had earlier directed teachers to conduct class debriefing sessions on June 23 following national concern over a recent school-related incident in Tacloban City.
According to the statement, classes were allotted two periods for discussions on safety, awareness, and student well-being.
School officials said that before the stabbing occurred, the victim had informed his class adviser about a threat he had received.
The adviser then instructed the student not to leave the school while efforts were being made to contact his parents or guardian.
However, the student allegedly failed to follow the instructions and left campus despite the warning.
The school said it remains vigilant and prepared to respond to issues affecting the community, and continues to implement measures to protect students.
The administration also said that campus security measures have been strengthened and that faculty meetings have been held to review and improve existing protocols and interventions.
School officials likewise urged parents and guardians to closely monitor, guide and regularly communicate with their children regarding concerns that may affect their safety and welfare.
Police investigation into the stabbing remains ongoing.
