The Department of Education and the Philippine National Police expressed concern over two student stabbing incidents in Cavite during the first week of classes.
The DepEd Schools Division Office of Cavite City said it was coordinating with school officials and authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and provide immediate support to those affected.
It also directed the concerned schools to provide psychosocial support and counseling services to students and their families.
The latest incident happened on June 19 at Cavite National High School, where a senior high school student allegedly stabbed an 18-year-old student after an argument escalated into a fistfight.
Police said the victim sustained serious injuries and remained confined in a hospital, while the suspect was arrested and placed under police custody.
The case followed a June 16 incident at Bethel Academy of Gen. Trias, where seven Grade 5 pupils were injured after they were allegedly attacked by a Grade 8 student with a kitchen knife.
Two of the wounded pupils were transferred to a larger hospital for surgery, while the alleged assailant was brought to a mental health facility for evaluation. The school later announced that classes would temporarily shift online from June 22 to 26 as it strengthened campus safety measures.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the two incidents were being treated as isolated cases pending investigation. He ordered local police to coordinate with schools and local governments on security assessments, perimeter checks, stricter access controls, and stronger police visibility around school zones, while the Alliance of Concerned Teachers called for more guidance counselors and psychosocial support personnel in schools.