LAS PIÑAS CITY, Philippines — A 13-year-old student is currently recovering in the hospital after being violently assaulted and stabbed by a group of five underage individuals just outside a school premises on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

The incident has sparked renewed concern over youth violence and safety protocols around educational institutions in the area.

According to preliminary reports from the Las Piñas City Police, the victim had just exited the school grounds on Thursday afternoon when they were suddenly confronted by a group of five fellow minors. Witnesses reported that a heated argument quickly turned physical, culminating in the group swarming the 13-year-old victim.

During the altercation, sharp weapons were drawn. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds to the body before bystanders and school security personnel could intervene to break up the melee. The suspects scattered and fled the scene immediately after the attack.

Emergency responders rushed the bleeding teenager to a nearby district hospital. Medical staff have stated that while the wounds are severe, the victim is currently in stable condition and closely monitored by physicians.

Following the incident, the Southern Police District (SPD) launched immediate hot-pursuit operations to track down the fleeing assailants. By Friday, law enforcement officials confirmed that they had successfully located and taken four of the involved minors into custody.

Authorities are treating the suspects as Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and are working frantically to track down the fifth remaining suspect who is still at large.

Because all the suspects involved are under the age of majority, the Las Piñas City Police Station is strictly coordinating its ongoing investigation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) alongside the suspects' parents and guardians. The processing of the case will follow the legal frameworks mandated by Republic Act No. 9344, also known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

Charges of frustrated murder are currently being prepared by investigators to be filed before the city prosecutor's office. Local school administrators have also announced they will cooperate fully with the police and implement stricter security patrols around the campus perimeter during dismissal hours to ensure student safety.