DepEd, PNP alarmed by 2 school stabbing incidents in Cavite

LUCENA CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have expressed concern over two separate stabbing incidents involving students in Cavite that occurred during the first week of classes.

The Schools Division Office of Cavite City (SDOCC) said in a statement last June 20 that it is closely coordinating with school officials and other concerned authorities to ensure a thorough investigation of the incident and the immediate provision of necessary interventions.

The division office also directed the concerned schools to provide appropriate psychosocial support and counseling services to affected students and their families.

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READ: Cavite school shifts to online classes after student stabbing incident

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“We assure the public that the safety and security of our learners remain our highest priority. Measures are being strengthened in coordination with school officials and relevant agencies to maintain a safe and secure learning environment in all our schools,” the SDOCC said.

The latest incident occurred on June 19 at Cavite National High School, where a senior high school student repeatedly stabbed an 18-year-old student.

According to police investigators, the two students were involved in a heated argument that escalated into a fistfight. One of them allegedly pulled out a bladed weapon and repeatedly stabbed the other.

The victim sustained serious injuries and remains confined in a hospital, while the 18-year-old suspect was arrested and is now in police custody.

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The incident was the second case of school-related violence reported in Cavite since classes opened earlier this week.

On June 16, seven Grade 5 pupils of Bethel Academy of Gen. Trias, Cavite, were injured after they were allegedly attacked by a Grade 8 student wielding a kitchen knife.

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READ: Seven Grade 5 students injured in Cavite school stabbing

The wounded pupils were taken to a hospital, with two later transferred to a larger medical facility for surgery because of the severity of their injuries.

The alleged assailant, a female student, was subsequently brought to a mental health facility for evaluation.

In an advisory posted on its Facebook page on Sunday, the school administration announced that classes will be conducted online from June 22 to 26.

“As we continue strengthening safety and security across both campuses, classes will temporarily shift online from June 22 to 26, 2026,” the school said.

The school explained that the temporary arrangement would provide time to prepare and implement necessary safety measures before students return to campus.

READ: Cavite school saddened by stabbing incident, vows support for victims

In a separate statement, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the two incidents are being treated as isolated cases pending the results of ongoing investigations, and with due regard for the rights and privacy of the minors involved.

Nartatez directed local police units to conduct comprehensive investigations and coordinate closely with school authorities and local government units to implement preventive measures, including security assessments, perimeter inspections, and stricter access controls within school premises.

He also ordered police units nationwide to intensify police visibility and conduct sustained patrols in and around school zones, particularly during school opening, recess, and dismissal hours.

Meanwhile, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines called for stronger school safety measures and increased staffing in schools following the incidents.

The group urged the government to hire more guidance counselors and psychosocial support personnel to ensure emergencies can be addressed without disrupting classroom instruction.

ACT also stressed that responses to school violence should focus on prevention and strengthening school support systems rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

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“School safety requires comprehensive and sustained interventions that address the root causes of violence and support the well-being of learners,” the group said./coa