DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur – A 12-year-old Grade 7 student from Digos City National High School was rushed to the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital after she was brutally attacked by 10 fellow students on October 21, 2025.
According to reports, personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) immediately responded to rescue the victim after receiving a call from the school’s Prefect of Discipline. CDRRMC responder Mark Dancel said they found the girl weak, trembling, and complaining of severe pain in her head and body.
Initial investigation revealed that the victim was peacefully eating pastil during recess when she was suddenly approached by a group of 10 students who pulled her hair and repeatedly kicked and punched her. The beating only stopped when she collapsed from exhaustion.
The girl sustained multiple bruises, a severe headache, and nausea. Her mother confirmed that large clumps of her daughter’s hair had been pulled out during the assault.
The parents of the victim and those of the involved students, along with police officers, already faced each other earlier today at the Prefect of Discipline’s office for initial investigation and mediation.
In response, Digos City Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas has ordered CDRRMC Head John Basil Alicarte Sevilla to install additional CCTV cameras inside and outside the school to strengthen student safety. Technicians have already been sent to assess installation points for the surveillance upgrade.
Mayor Cagas also directed the city police to bring the suspects and their parents to his office for further action.
Authorities are reminding parents to take an active role in guiding and monitoring their children’s behavior, both at home and in school, to prevent incidents of bullying and violence among the youth.
“We call on parents to help schools monitor their children and teach them love, respect, and discipline,” Mayor Cagas emphasized.