Cavite school saddened by stabbing incident, vows support for victims

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LUCENA CITY, QUEZON, Philippines — The administration of a private school in General Trias City, Cavite where seven students were injured in a stabbing incident on Tuesday morning, said it was deeply saddened by the incident and remains focused on the recovery and well-being of those affected.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Wednesday, the Bethel Academy of Gen. Trias Cavite Inc. said the school community was “deeply saddened and shaken” by the incident.

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“Our thoughts remain with the students and families affected, and our immediate priority is their care, recovery, and well-being,” the school said.

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The school administration said the injured students had received medical attention and that it remains in close coordination with their families.

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“Bethel Academy is committed to supporting them through this difficult time, including providing assistance with necessary medical expenses and other appropriate forms of support, in respectful coordination with the families concerned,” the statement read.

The school also said it is fully cooperating with authorities conducting the investigation and is coordinating closely with the Department of Education (DepEd), the local government, and social welfare agencies.

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In addition, school officials said they are providing psychosocial support to students, teachers, and personnel while reviewing and strengthening campus safety, security, and student supervision measures.

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“We understand the fear and concern this incident has caused, especially among our students and parents. Please know that we hear you, we share your concern, and we are taking this matter with the utmost seriousness,” the school said.

It added that it would continue to act “with care, transparency, and responsibility” as it supports those affected and works to restore safety and trust within the school community.

Meanwhile, DepEd Calabarzon Regional Director Carlito Rocafort visited education officials in General Trias City on Wednesday.

According to the Schools Division Office of General Trias City, Rocafort conducted the visit to oversee educational operations and engage with local education officials.

As part of the visit, Rocafort and officials of the city schools division office paid a courtesy call on Mayor Luis “Jon-Jon” Ferrer IV.

“The strategic meeting focused on reinforcing the robust partnership between the local government unit and DepEd, ensuring aligned efforts in delivering quality infrastructure, resources, and holistic development programs for GenTriseño learners,” the division office said in a report.

The report added that education officials and the city government reaffirmed their commitment to improving educational standards and fostering a more supportive learning environment for students.

However, the report did not indicate whether the meeting discussed the stabbing incident at the school in Barangay Sta. Clara, where seven Grade 5 students were injured after allegedly being attacked by a Grade 8 female student armed with a kitchen knife.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the General Trias City Schools Division Office assured the public that school authorities, the city government, and concerned agencies had promptly taken the necessary actions in response to the incident.

The division office said it had coordinated with police, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, barangay officials, and other government agencies to ensure the safety, protection, and welfare of the learners involved and to facilitate a thorough and impartial investigation.

“We wish to assure the public that all applicable legal and administrative processes, with primary reference to the Child Protection Policy, are being observed with due regard for the rights, privacy, and best interests of the learners concerned,” the statement read.

The office also urged the public to rely only on official announcements and verified sources while the investigation remains ongoing.

Police have withheld details of the incident and have not identified the students involved, citing the protection of minors and the ongoing investigation.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Ferrer said the injured students were rushed to the hospital, with two later transferred to a larger medical facility for surgery due to the severity of their injuries.

The mayor added that social workers had been directed to provide immediate psychosocial intervention and assistance to students who may have been traumatized by the incident.

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Ferrer also said he spoke with the student allegedly involved before the child was brought to a mental health care facility for further assessment. /cb