Las Piñas student, 13, killed in alleged dispute over P10 change

A 13-year-old student died after being stabbed by his classmate inside Las Piñas National High School (LPNHS) around 4 p.m. on Friday, July 31.

In a report by Jomer Apresto on "24 Oras Weekend" on Saturday, police said the 14-year-old child in conflict with the law (CICL) allegedly stabbed his classmate after accusing him of failing to return the change from a bottled water purchase at the school canteen.

“The CICL did not believe that the change had been left at the school canteen. He then pulled out a fan knife and stabbed the victim,” Las Piñas City Police Station chief P/Col. Fermin Armendarez III said in Filipino.

CCTV footage aired in the report showed a student running to a nearby barangay post to seek help. A tricycle was then used in an attempt to rush the victim to the hospital.

“Someone asked for help. When I saw the child, he was already lying down and there was so much blood,” Barangay Daniel Fajardo councilor Melvin Cristobal said.

According to police, the victim later died from a stab wound to the left side of his chest.

Authorities immediately apprehended the CICL, who has since been placed under the custody of Bahay Pag-asa. He is set to undergo evaluation to determine whether he acted with discernment.

Investigators are also looking into whether there was a deeper motive behind the stabbing and how the fan knife was brought onto the school campus.

“They have security guards and a metal detector. We are looking into how the bladed weapon got through so we can make the appropriate recommendations for the school,” Armendarez said.

In a statement, LPNHS said it immediately coordinated with authorities in the investigation. The school also appealed to the public to refrain from sharing sensitive or unverified information, photos, and videos related to the incident.

The school added that it is ready to provide psychological and emotional support to students, teachers, and other personnel. It also urged parents and the community to work together in promoting discipline to help prevent similar incidents.

Plea for justice

In a separate report by Vonne Aquino on "24 Oras Weekend," the victim's sister, Aizel Ontong recounted the events leading up to the death of her younger brother, Aaron Miguel.

Echoing the police's account, Ontong said the stabbing was allegedly triggered after her brother left the CICL's P10 change at the canteen.

“He was asked to buy water, and the P10 change was accidentally left at the canteen. When my brother went back to get it, the one who stabbed him didn't believe him,” Ontong said.

“His classmate then pulled out a knife. My brother reportedly said, "You might stab me with that," and then he was suddenly stabbed,” she added.

Ontong said Miguel was still able to walk after the attack and was taken to the school clinic.

“They brought him to the school clinic, but there was reportedly no nurse on duty. There was also a delay because there was no vehicle readily available,” she said.

Ontong described her younger brother as cheerful, fond of rapping, and obedient.

Miguel was the eighth of nine siblings and had already lost his mother.

“I told myself, it was only P10. I could have easily given him twice that amount. I just wish he hadn't stabbed my brother,” Ontong said.

She appealed for justice over her brother's death.

“We want justice for my brother. Please help us hold the person responsible accountable. If only a life could be exchanged for a life, I would choose that, because the pain is unbearable for our family,” she added.

According to Aquino's report, Miguel's wake is being held in Barangay Daniel Fajardo, Las Piñas City. Ontong said an autopsy has already been conducted and the family is awaiting the results.

Miguel's family said they are determined to file charges against the CICL.

“We want to know the complete details from them about what really happened. Was there a delay in bringing my brother for medical treatment?” Ontong asked.

“Why did it take so long? Why was there no nurse? If a nurse had been there to administer first aid, maybe he could have been saved. We just want answers,” she added.

According to Ontong, no representative from the school has reached out to their family since the incident.— Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/MCG, GMA News