Authorities have placed two minors under the custody of a Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) Center following a serious bullying incident at Basilan National High School that left a 15-year-old student injured.
In a press release, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Sunday that the two suspects, who are also students, were identified in connection with the June 25 incident, which gained widespread attention after a video of the attack went viral.
According to a report from the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula, the suspects allegedly attempted to pressure the victim into smoking. When the victim refused, they physically assaulted him by punching, kicking, and slamming his head against a wall. One of the suspects reportedly brandished a knife and threatened to stab the victim.
The injured student was initially taken to a hospital in Isabela City and later transferred to Zamboanga City for further medical treatment.
The victim’s father filed a formal complaint on July 4, prompting authorities to conduct an initial investigation and search for the suspects, who had fled their homes after the attack. Both minors were eventually located and taken into custody in accordance with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, as stated in the PNP’s announcement.
Further investigation revealed that the suspects had a history of behavioral issues. The two minors are now undergoing intervention programs and receiving psychosocial support in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and school authorities.
The Isabela City Police Station has also facilitated coordination with the school’s guidance office, the families of both the victim and the suspects, and local village officials to ensure that appropriate legal actions and rehabilitative measures are implemented.
