A 15-year-old student died after a classmate stabbed him inside a school in Floridablanca, Pampanga, police said.

Police said the victim and the 16-year-old suspect had an argument that turned violent during a school activity.

Investigators said the two students first exchanged heated words before they challenged each other to a fistfight. Teachers were able to break the fight up but the suspect reportedly pulled out a knife later from his bag and stabbed the victim in the chest.

“Yung dalawang minor nagkaroon sila ng hindi pagkakaintindihan sa school. May activity sila sa school and then nagkapikunan, nagkasagutan hanggang nauwi sa suntukan. Naawat naman sila pero nung pagkaawat sa kanila doon nagkaroon ng time o opportunity ‘yung suspect natin na kuhanin ‘yung patalim doon sa bag niya,” PLtCol. Erick Bagalawis, chief of the Floridablanca Police Station, said.

The victim was rushed to the hospital but died later.

Because both students are minors, authorities referred the case to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWD). The child in conflict with the law (CICL) now faces a homicide complaint under Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code.

“Nai-file na po namin ang kasong homicide sa suspect natin at kasalukuyan po siyang nasa shelter under ng LGU ng Floridablanca,” Bagalawis said.

Authorities urged parents and school officials to strengthen guidance and supervision of children to prevent similar incidents.

School officials have yet to issue a statement. The victim’s family has also not released any comment as of press time.