DepEd 'mourns' 13-year old student killed inside school, vows to extend full support to family

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Sunday said it will extend its “full support” to the family of the loss of a 13-year-old student who was fatally stabbed by his classmate inside Las Piñas National High School Main (LPNHS) last week.

“The Department of Education mourns the heartbreaking loss of our learner… We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the entire school community,” the DepEd said in a statement issued on Sunday.

Reports said the victim was stabbed with a knife by his 14-year-old classmate who accused him of failing to return P10 in change from a bottled water purchase at the school canteen.

“Schools must be sanctuaries. Violence on our campus is unacceptable and demands accountability and collective action,” the Education Department added.

“We are extending full support to the victim’s family, deploying trauma counseling for affected learners and staff, cooperating fully with law enforcement, and conducting a thorough review of campus security protocols,” the DepEd statement said.

The department said protecting the youth requires a united effort among schools, families, communities, and law enforcement as it vowed its commitment to restore and uphold schools as safe spaces for children.

In a report on “24 Oras”, the victim’s family said they are demanding justice and will file charges against the teenaged suspect while questioning the possible lapses of the school, particularly the absence of a nurse on duty at the school at the time of the incident.

The suspect, who is now classified as a child in conflict with the law (CICL), is in the custody of Bahay Pag-Asa and is being evaluated. —RF, GMA News