Teen tagged in Las Piñas stabbing was bullied; got a knife online, says NCRPO 

The 14-year-old student who allegedly stabbed and killed his 13-year-old classmate over P10 of change was a victim of bullying, which is what supposedly led him to purchasing a knife online, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Tuesday.

At the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public forum, NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo said the child in conflict with the law (CICL) has already undergone inquest proceedings for murder charges, and is in the custody of Bahay Pag-asa.

“Ayon po sa kanyang kwento, sa pagkatanong ng ating mga taga-women's desk, parang umiiwas po siya or may prior incidents po siya ng bullying. Although hindi po niya nasabi kung sino po yung mga nangbubuli sa kanya,” Asilo said.

(Based on his statement during the questioning of our people at the women’s desk, he was trying to avoid, or he had prior incidents of bullying. Although he did not say who was bullying him.)

The CICL had concealed the weapon in his tumbler, so it was not seen in the baggage check, the spokesperson said.

Asilo said that the CICL was able to acquire the knife through online platforms. Because of how accessible online platforms are, the CICL was able to have it delivered to his family’s house, in his own name.

He then gave the victim P20 and instructed him to go to the canteen to get some water. When the victim forgot the P10 change in the canteen, a fight broke out and the CICL stabbed the victim, killing him.

Asilo said that this may be the reason for the school to consider getting a metal detector. However, she said that the police have found no indication of negligence on the part of the school.

The NCRPO spokesperson cautioned the public against linking the case to mental health issues, especially since there has been no official assessment yet.

On Monday, the Philippine National Police said family environment, community influences, and exposure to violent content on social media are among factors contributing to violence in schools.

“Hindi lang ang school ang mayroong problema but of course saan ba nanggaling yung bata? And what is the environment that they are into?” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said at a press briefing.

(It’s not just the school that has the problem but of course where does the child come from? And what is the environment that they are into?) — RSJ, GMA News