A 12-year-old boy died while his 17-year-old companion was injured after a stone thrown during an altercation hit them in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Based on investigation, the victims were on their way home from a disco when they encountered the 20-year-old suspect upon reaching Purok Arroyo in Barangay San Luis.

Police said the suspect threw a stone suddenly at the 17-year-old victim, who was reportedly the target, and was hit in the forehead.

However, the stone deflected and hit the 12-year-old boy in the head.

The younger victim was rushed to a hospital but died later.

“Didto nag-away kini sila og gisalaba sa maong 20 year old ang 17 years old nga biktima sa bato diin naigo kini sa agtang, apan sa maong pagkaigo sa agtang mibanda ang bato sa 12 years old nga menor de edad naigo usab sa ulo,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Spokesperson, Major Joann Navarro, said.

Investigators said the attack was reportedly related to a prior dispute between the suspect and the older victim.

The suspect fled after the incident but was arrested later during hot pursuit.

“Nag-conduct og hot pursuit operation ang atoang kapulisan ug nasikop ang maong suspetsado around 7 am gi-turn over kini siya sa atoang mga BPAT sa Gingoog City Police Station,” Navarro said.

The suspect may face homicide and serious physical injury charges.

Police reminded parents to monitor their children’s activities and advised the public to avoid resorting to violence when resolving disputes.

“Expected unta nga anaa kini sila sa tagsa-tagsa ka mga panimalay, but still nakita nato nga naa gihapon sa gawas sa panimalay so dako nga butang ang pag-monitor and ang kaning pag-remind nga dili gyud mu-resort sa violent acts,” Navarro added.