Digos City, Davao del Sur — October 8, 2025 | Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas has personally extended assistance to the family of a 16-year-old student who was recently attacked by a group of minors at Rizal Park, the latest in a growing number of violent incidents involving youths in the city.
According to police reports, the victim—a Grade 10 student of Digos City National High School—was practicing a dance routine with classmates around 2 p.m. on October 7 when five minors suddenly assaulted him without provocation. The suspects reportedly ganged up on the victim, hitting his head with a stone. The student also claimed that one of the attackers was armed with a knife.
The victim was immediately brought to a medical facility for treatment, with Mayor Cagas assuring the family of full support, including financial aid for medical tests. The mayor personally checked on the boy’s condition and pledged to help ensure justice is served.
Police quickly arrested the group’s alleged leader at his residence, while another suspect voluntarily surrendered to the Digos City Police Station. Both minors are now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), while authorities continue to track down the remaining suspects.
Mayor Cagas commended the Digos City Police, led by PLTCOL Peter Glenn Ipong, for their swift action and reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing issues of gangsterism, bullying, and random acts of youth violence in the city.
“This incident is a wake-up call for all of us. We must protect our young people and ensure that Digos remains a safe and peaceful community,” Mayor Cagas said, urging parents and residents to remain vigilant and cooperative with local authorities.
Police and city officials are now intensifying efforts to curb youth-related violence through stricter enforcement, community programs, and educational campaigns aimed at promoting discipline and peace among students.