LIST: 15 cases of school violence lead to deaths, injuries in 3 weeks

MANILA, Philippines – At least 32 students were wounded, while three others died in the fifteen cases of school-related violence and threats reported in a three-week span starting June 16.

The disturbing increase in such incidents was flagged by Sen. Bam Aquino, and described by the Department of Education (DepEd) as “concerning” during the Senate committee on basic education hearing on Thursday.

“I think majority of that which really concerned DepEd are the threats, the bomb threat and then the shooting threats. The PNP (Philippine National Police) said, when we had a meeting with them, there’s always the tendency of the phenomenon of copycat so they become more curious,” DepEd Undersecretary Malcolm Garma said.

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“Even if we secure our schools in terms of the facilities, if there’s the intention, influence and the motivation, gagawin at gagawin talaga (they still do it),” Garma added.

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READ: Senate panel probes into Tacloban shooting

In 12 separate days from June 16 to July 6, the following incidents were recorded:

June 16

Seven Grade 5 students in Bethel Academy, General Trias, Cavite were injured after reportedly being attacked by a kitchen knife-wielding Grade 8 student.

According to Mayor Luis Ferrer IV, two of the victims underwent surgery after sustaining severe injuries. The perpetrator was taken to a mental health care facility for assessment.

June 19

An 18-year-old student at the Cavite National High School was repeatedly stabbed by a senior high school student after an argument that turned into a fistfight.

The victim was hospitalized, while the suspect, also 18 years old, was arrested and placed under police custody.

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June 22

Two minors, ages 14 and 15, opened fire at their school, San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

Three students died, while at least 20 were injured. Of those injured, 15 were from gunshot wounds, with two in critical condition, according to police.

READ: Senate probe sees ‘extremist’ influence in Tacloban campus slays

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June 23

A Grade 9 student, 17 years old, was stabbed by a same-aged Grade 10 student who had a “personal grudge” outside the Julio Ledesma National High School in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

The victim was stabbed at the lower right side of his abdomen, and the Grade 10 student was apprehended, police said.

Several schools in Tarlac, including the College of the Holy Spirit of Tarlac, Creston Academy and Tarlac State University suspended classes after receiving bomb threats.

June 24

A 14-year-old, Grade 10 student of Tolosa National High School in Leyte allegedly posted online threats of a school attack through multiple Facebook accounts. Police, however, said there was no indication that the threat would be executed.

The perpetrator was taken into custody of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, but was later turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

June 26

A 17-year-old student from the Emilia Ambalada Poblete Integrated High School sustained injuries after he was allegedly stabbed by a 15-year-old schoolmate during a physical confrontation outside the campus.

The perpetrator was turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and a criminal complaint is being prepared against him.

A knife and a loaded .38-caliber revolver were confiscated  by police from three Grade 10 students of the Aparri School of Arts and Trades in Cagayan. The three claimed that they carried weapons for protection due to a feud with unidentified groups.

They underwent counseling and temporary custody at the municipal social welfare office.

READ: Camarines Norte suspends classes due to security threats in schools

June 27

Violent threats surfaced on social media against Allen National High School in Northern Samar, and Palo National High School in Leyte.

This prompted the schools to beef up security measures.

June 29

The Batangas City Integrated High School’s social media page received shooting threats directed at students, resulting in the suspension of classes.

Screenshots of a private conversation of a student allegedly planning a shooting at the Escalante National High School in Negros Occidental with a supposed handgun circulated online.

The school shifted to alternative delivery mode, and the student’s phone was seized by police for a digital forensic examination.

June 30

A loaded .38-caliber revolver was recovered from a 15-year-old’s backpack in Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School in Iloilo.

Although no one was harmed, the school is reviewing the incident, and the gun has been turned over to the police for documentation and legal action.

July 1

Two 16-year-old students from the Cabaluay National High School in Zamboanga City were wounded after a 17-year-old, amid a fistfight, supposedly stabbed them using a small kitchen knife.

Police confirmed that all parties were injured but are safe and the stabbing incident may have been triggered by bullying.

July 3

Bomb and gun threats were allegedly circulated online against the Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School in Borongan City, supposedly associated with the school’s Grade 11 Cookery students.

The local police declared the school free of any bombs or guns after a sweep, but the investigation on the threats continued.

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July 6

Two students of the Emilio Ramos National High School in Davao City were reportedly stabbed by a group of six minors on their way home from classes.

One of the victims was stabbed three times in the back, while the other only once. The group of minors were rescued by local police and were taken under police custody. /gsg