Grade 9 student hospitalized after alleged jealousy attack in Manila

A Grade 9 student was injured after he was allegedly attacked by several individuals in Sampaloc, Manila, in what barangay officials said was triggered by jealousy.

According to a report by Jhomer Apresto on "24 Oras," the incident happened past 12:30 p.m. in front of the barangay hall of Barangay 520 in Sampaloc on Thursday, February 26. 

The victim, identified only as “Alias Jonathan,” was walking alone when two male suspects suddenly ran toward him and began punching him repeatedly. Video footage of the incident showed that even after the victim fell to the ground, the two continued to assault him while several female students attempted to intervene.

The video also showed a woman wearing a red shirt running toward the scene and stopping in front of the commotion. However, instead of helping stop the attack, barangay officials said she was allegedly involved in the incident.

Authorities said the woman picked up an object that had fallen from one of the attackers during the assault. Another student later arrived and allegedly kicked the victim in the face before the group fled after noticing barangay personnel approaching.

Barangay officials said the motive behind the attack was jealousy.

“Kasi ayaw na ng babae sa kanya eh. Sabi naman ng babae, nag-break na sila. Pinagbantaan pa siya na anong gugulpihin nga daw yung barkada nila na pinagselosa niya,” said Barangay kagawad Yolanda Correa.

(Because the girl no longer wanted him. The girl said they had already broken up. He even threatened that his friends would beat up the person he was jealous of.)

The barangay later discovered that the object picked up by the woman in red was allegedly an ice pick.

“Tinanong namin yung naka-pula, sabi niya, vape daw, pero ang pinagdiinan ng mga kasamahan nung nabugbog, ice pick daw yon... Talagang may intensyon daw siya. Sabi naman nung gusto nila talagang tuluyan. Kaya lang, maagap lang si Kapitana. Kaya naagapan,” Correa said.

(We asked the one in red shirt, and she said it was a vape. But the companions of the one who was beaten said it was an ice pick. She really had an intention. They said they really wanted to finish it. It was only because our village captain acted quickly that it was prevented.)

The victim remains confined in a hospital due to injuries sustained in various parts of his body.

Three of the four alleged suspects were voluntarily brought to the barangay by their parents. Two of them are reportedly adults.

“Sabi naman ng mga tatay nung nangbugbog, gusto nila na, kasi pasaway talaga daw yung mga anak nila,” Correa added.
(The fathers of those who beat him up said they wanted them brought in because their children are really unruly.)

The suspects were brought to the Sampaloc Police Station, where appropriate charges are being prepared. The minor ex-boyfriend may also face charges and could be assessed under the principle of discernment.

Authorities are still searching for the male suspect who allegedly kicked the victim in the face.

Barangay officials noted that altercations among students are common in the area due to the proximity of several schools. While police regularly conduct patrols, officials said establishing police posts near schools may help prevent similar incidents.

The Manila Police District has yet to issue a statement. —Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News