4 minors held in Las Piñas student stabbing; main suspect hunted
Statement of Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Glenn Oliver Cinco on the arrest of the children in conflict with the law (CICLs) involved in the stabbing of a Grade 8 student in Las Piñas City. (Photo courtesy of SPD)
Four minors are now under police custody following the stabbing of a Grade 8 student near a school in Barangay Daniel Fajardo, Las Piñas City, on July 2, while the alleged main attacker remains at large.
According to the Southern Police District (SPD), the Grade 8 student of Las Piñas National High School sustained stab wounds to his back, neck, and shoulder during the attack.
He was rushed to Las Piñas District Hospital for treatment and is now in stable condition. His companion escaped unharmed.
Las Piñas Police chief Col. Fermin Armendarez said the victim and his companion had just left their school and were on their way to buy drinks at a nearby convenience store when they were suddenly attacked by a group of minors.
Barangay personnel stationed near the school immediately responded and alerted the police, leading to the arrest of four suspects aged 15 to 17.
Authorities said the alleged main suspect, who reportedly carried out the stabbing, is now the subject of an ongoing manhunt.
Police said the four minors were charged with frustrated and attempted murder.
SPD director Brig. Gen. Oliver Cinco said authorities are strictly observing the provisions of Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, as amended, in handling the case.
He said police are closely coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the minors' parents or guardians, and other concerned agencies to ensure that all legal procedures and child protection protocols are properly observed.
"We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law while strictly observing the rights and legal safeguards afforded to children under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act," Cinco said.
The SPD chief also appealed to the public to refrain from posting or sharing photos, videos, or any information that could reveal the identities of the minors involved, emphasizing that the law protects children in conflict with the law and children at risk.