DepEd monitoring Zamboanga school stabbing incident, vows support for affected students

The Department of Education’s (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) of Zamboanga City on Wednesday said it is closely monitoring the situation following an incident in which a Grade 11 student allegedly stabbed and wounded two classmates at the Cabaluay National High School.

According to initial reports, the student allegedly attacked his two classmates after claiming that they bullied and physically assaulted him.

In a statement, the SDO said the school immediately took appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of all learners and personnel.

It added that assistance was promptly extended to the learners involved and that the school coordinated with the concerned authorities and stakeholders.

“The Division Office is closely monitoring the situation and is working with the school administration to ensure that proper interventions, including support services for the affected learners and the school community, are provided,” the DepEd statement said.

The SDO also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and child-friendly learning environments in all public schools.

“We continue to strengthen our child protection programs and safety measures to prevent similar incidents,” it said.

The division office urged the public to allow authorities to complete their investigation and refrain from spreading unverified information.

“We call on everyone to allow the proper authorities to conduct their investigation and to refrain from spreading unverified information. Let us continue to support our schools in promoting a culture of respect, understanding, and care for all learners,” the statement added.

Authorities have yet to release the results of their investigation into the incident. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA News