By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Negros Occidental strongly condemned the fist fight incident at the Payao National High School in Binalbagan town, which claimed the life of a senior high school student.

In a statement, DepEd-NegOcc said they will continue to cooperate with the authorities and the Binalbagan municipal government in seeking justice for 17-year-old Joren Erol John Garcia, who died after he was allegedly punched and mauled by other students inside the school premises on October 19.

DepEd-NegOcc said a Grade 12 student, along with four unidentified individuals, were involved in the incident.

Garcia had a fatal head injury from a concrete impact.

DepEd-NegOcc appealed to the public to refrain from humiliating the school.

The department said they ensure the safety of the students.

They are reviewing DepEd-NegOcc’s security policies to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

The primary suspect in Garcia’s death, a minor, surrendered to Binalbagan police, and faces a homicide charge.

The authorities continue to investigate other persons of interest in the incident./DGB, WDJ