By CESAR JOLITO III

Police are looking into long-standing personal grudges as the motive of the stabbing of a Grade 9 student by his fellow schoolmate at Barangay 2 in Negros Occidental’s San Carlos City yesterday.

The suspected assailant, a Grade 10 student, was later apprehended during a follow-up pursuit operation.

The bladed weapon allegedly used in the incident was also recovered.

Authorities said the victim was immediately brought to the San Carlos City Hospital where he remains conscious and is receiving medical treatment.

Initial accounts indicate that a group of youths attempted to confront the minors considered rivals, which escalated into a violent encounter.

San Carlos police clarified that the incident did not occur within the school premises.

Police said the altercation happened in Teachers Village outside school grounds and after official class hours.

The case has been turned over to the Women and Children Protection Desk for proper handling. Authorities emphasized that all procedures are being conducted in accordance with child protection laws and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

In an official statement, the school administration said it is currently coordinating with appropriate authorities to establish the full circumstances surrounding what transpired.

The school said the victim had informed the class adviser about a perceived threat.

The adviser reportedly instructed the learner to remain on campus while efforts were underway to contact the student’s parent or guardian.

However, the learner allegedly left the school premises despite the advisory.

The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region has underscored that while schools generally remain safe environments, youth-related violence may still occur in communities outside campus grounds.

Police assured the public that a thorough and impartial investigation is ongoing, and appropriate charges will be filed against those found responsible in accordance with existing laws./CCJ, WDJ