An 11-year-old student was injured in a stabbing incident involving a 13-year-old student at SIR Elementary School in Barangay 76-A, Davao City, at about 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, authorities said.
The victim, identified by the alias Prince, sustained a stab wound to the back and was taken to Southern Philippines Medical Center for medical treatment.
Responding police recovered a broken kitchen knife allegedly used in the incident, according to the initial reports.
The 13-year-old student, identified by the alias Axel, was turned over to the Davao City Police Office’s Women and Children Protection Desk for appropriate intervention and procedures involving minors.
According to PLt. Col. Ma. Terisita Gazpan, DCPO spokesperson, the minor was reportedly experiencing family problems. Authorities are also examining reports that the student had access to online applications and violent video content, including material depicting high-profile mass attacks.
Investigators have not established whether these circumstances were connected to the stabbing.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, including how the knife was obtained and brought onto the school campus.
School security was tightened inside and outside the premises following the incident.
DCPO Director Col. Peter Madria also met with SIR Elementary School Principal Cicilia Cardoza, Department of Education-Davao Region Schools Division Superintendent Reynante Solitario and other school officials to discuss coordination and measures to protect students, faculty members and staff.
The meeting focused on strengthening security and preventing similar incidents, according to the report.
As of the latest available information, the school administration had not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing to determine the circumstances and the actual cause of the stabbing.
