ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (July 1, 2026) — A classroom confrontation at Cabaluay National High School turned violent on Wednesday morning after a Grade 11 student allegedly stabbed two classmates during a fight, leaving three students injured and prompting authorities to investigate conflicting claims over the motive behind the attack.
The incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. inside a classroom of the public high school in Barangay Cabaluay, according to the Zamboanga City Police Station 3 (ZCPS3).
Police identified the 17-year-old suspect only by the alias “AGA,” while the two injured victims, both 16 years old, were identified as “RLF” and “GM,” in keeping with laws protecting the identities of minors.
Bullying cited as possible motive
Initial findings by investigators indicate that the confrontation stemmed from a history of bullying, which allegedly escalated into a physical altercation before the suspect drew a knife and attacked the two students.
However, another account provided by Barangay Captain Lester P. Siason presented a different version of events.
In an interview with local media, Siason said the suspect claimed that the two victims had allegedly been pressuring him to use marijuana. The suspect reportedly refused, leading to tensions between them.
The student also allegedly told authorities that he had brought a bladed weapon to school because he had learned that the two students were supposedly planning to assault him.
The suspect, who reportedly serves as an altar server, claimed he carried the knife for self-protection.
Police have yet to verify these allegations, and investigators emphasized that all claims remain subject to ongoing investigation.
Victims rushed to hospitals
Barangay officials alerted authorities at 8:58 a.m., prompting responding officers led by PEMS Arnel Sogradiel to immediately proceed to the school.
By the time police arrived, the injured students had already been transported to separate medical facilities for emergency treatment.
Medical reports showed that RLF sustained a stab wound on the left side of the abdomen, while GM suffered multiple lacerations on the back, the back of the head, and the right arm.
The suspect also sustained injuries during the scuffle and received treatment at the school’s clinic.
Authorities later recovered a small kitchen knife, believed to have been used in the attack, and have taken it into custody for forensic examination.
Police confirmed that all three students are now in stable condition.
Mayor visits school
Following the incident, Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso visited Cabaluay National High School to personally assess the situation.
The mayor met with the suspect, the injured students, their parents, and school officials to ensure that appropriate medical, psychological, and legal assistance would be provided.
City officials said the situation was immediately brought under control, allowing school personnel to secure the campus and ensure the safety of students and teachers.
Authorities continue to coordinate with school administrators to maintain peace and order while the investigation is ongoing.
DepEd vows support and stronger child protection measures
In an official statement, the Schools Division Office of Zamboanga City said the school acted immediately to safeguard students and personnel after the incident.
“The school immediately took appropriate action to ensure the safety and security of all learners and personnel. Necessary assistance was provided to the learners involved, and coordination with concerned authorities and stakeholders was undertaken,” the statement read.
The division office added that it is closely monitoring developments and working with school administrators to provide interventions, including psychosocial support services for affected students and the wider school community.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and child-friendly learning environments across all public schools in the city.
“We continue to strengthen our child protection programs and safety measures to prevent similar incidents,” the office stated.
Education officials also appealed to the public to allow law enforcement authorities to complete their investigation and urged everyone to refrain from circulating unverified information that could further affect the students involved.
Investigation continues
Police are conducting a comprehensive investigation to establish the sequence of events leading to the stabbing and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged bullying and marijuana-related claims made by the suspect.
Authorities are expected to interview additional witnesses, review available evidence, and coordinate with school officials and the families involved as they seek to determine the full circumstances behind one of the most serious incidents of campus violence recorded in Zamboanga City in recent years.
The case has also renewed calls for stronger anti-bullying measures, improved campus security, and expanded mental health and conflict-resolution programs in schools to prevent similar incidents from occurring.