BUTUAN CITY — A 17-year-old boy was killed in a knife attack after he and his companions were reportedly ambushed by a group of young people while walking home from activities at the Butuan City Hall on Friday night, August 7, 2026.
The incident happened at around 9:20 p.m. along J. Satorre Street, Purok 5, Barangay Holy Redeemer, near the Flying V gasoline station. The victim, identified only as alias “Long,” a 17-year-old unemployed resident of Purok 6, Barangay Holy Redeemer, reportedly suffered multiple stab wounds during the attack.
According to the police investigation and the statement of one of the victim’s companions, the group had been walking home after watching activities at City Hall when they reached the area near the gasoline station. A group of young individuals allegedly suddenly attacked them, with the victim being stabbed during the confrontation. The circumstances that triggered the attack, as well as the identities and roles of those involved, remain under investigation.
The severely wounded teenager was immediately rushed to Butuan Medical Center (BMC) for emergency medical attention. However, despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead on arrival at approximately 9:28 p.m. by attending physician Dr. Ma. Carolene Rose Silverio.
Following the attack, police units immediately launched a hot pursuit operation and follow-up investigation to identify and locate those responsible. The operation resulted in the apprehension of four suspected minors, who were identified by authorities as children in conflict with the law (CICL).
The four arrested minors were subsequently turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and placed under the custody of Bahay Pag-asa in Barangay Antongalon, Butuan City. Authorities said they will undergo the appropriate assessment, intervention and social welfare services in accordance with Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, as amended by Republic Act No. 10630.
However, police said one more suspect, a 16-year-old student reportedly residing in J.T. Domingo, Butuan City, remains at large. Authorities continue to conduct hot pursuit and follow-up operations to locate and apprehend the remaining suspect.
Police are also continuing to gather evidence and complete the necessary documentation for the appropriate legal proceedings. The motive behind the attack and the specific participation of each suspect will be established as the investigation progresses.
The killing has once again raised concerns over violence involving young people, particularly incidents where disputes or confrontations escalate into deadly attacks involving bladed weapons. What began as an ordinary night of young people heading home reportedly ended with a teenager losing his life and several minors coming under the intervention of the juvenile justice system.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could help locate the remaining suspect or clarify the circumstances surrounding the attack to coordinate with the police. The investigation remains ongoing.