VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — A 17-year-old Grade 12 student died after being found unconscious inside the premises of Valencia National High School in Valencia City, Bukidnon, on Wednesday evening, September 16, 2026, prompting an ongoing investigation by authorities and an appeal for compassion and restraint from the school community.
According to the Valencia City Police Station, police received information about the incident at around 6:48 p.m. and immediately responded to the school. The student was found inside the school premises and was rushed to a hospital for emergency medical attention.
Doctors later pronounced the student dead at approximately 10:28 p.m., police said, based on their medical assessment.
Initial information from authorities indicated that the student had sustained injuries. Police are still determining exactly what happened and have not established a verified motive or reason for the incident.
The school said the incident occurred after regular classes had ended and students had already been dismissed. Its official statement said the initial police investigation placed the incident in the Senior High School building.
Authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the possibility that the student may have fallen from a higher portion of the school building. Police stressed that the investigation remains ongoing, and no conclusion should be drawn until the circumstances have been fully established.
School Protects Student’s Privacy
Valencia National High School said it will not release the identity or other personal information concerning the student.
The school cited the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and, more importantly, the need to respect the dignity and privacy of the student and her grieving family.
School administrators headed by Principal Angelina A. Cacharo, together with Parents-Teachers Association President Jun Sapanghari, immediately responded to the incident and continue to coordinate with the family and concerned authorities.
The school also said its administration, Guidance Office, PTA, the Philippine National Police and other appropriate authorities are working together to provide the necessary assistance and support.
In a separate statement, the Valencia City Police Station likewise appealed to the public to respect the student’s privacy and the family’s dignity while the investigation continues.
Public Urged Not To Spread Speculation
The school administration strongly urged students, parents, teachers and members of the public not to post, share or circulate photographs, videos, screenshots, names or other information concerning the incident unless these have been officially verified and released through appropriate channels.
The warning comes amid the potential for sensitive incidents involving minors to quickly generate rumors and speculation online.
Unverified accounts can cause additional distress to grieving families, classmates, teachers and other members of the school community. Photos and videos involving the student or the incident should not be circulated.
The school urged the public to rely only on official announcements from Valencia National High School and the Valencia City Police Station.
A Reminder About Mental Health And Depression
The death has also renewed attention to the importance of mental-health awareness among young people, although there is currently no verified information establishing depression or any other mental-health condition as the cause of the incident.
Depression is a serious health condition that can affect children, adolescents and adults. Changes in behavior, persistent sadness, withdrawal, hopelessness, declining school performance or other signs of emotional distress should be taken seriously rather than dismissed as simply part of growing up.
Parents, guardians, teachers, classmates and friends can play an important role by creating an environment where young people feel safe enough to talk about what they are experiencing.
A young person who appears to be struggling should not be left to face that burden alone. Help is available, and asking for help is an important step toward safety and support.
Anyone experiencing severe emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm should seek immediate help from a trusted person, a mental-health professional, the nearest hospital emergency department, or local emergency services.
For parents and guardians, the incident is also a reminder of the importance of maintaining open communication with children and adolescents, paying attention to significant changes in their behavior and emotional well-being, and seeking professional assistance when concerns arise.
Investigation Continues
For now, police have not released further details that could compromise the investigation or the privacy of the student and her family.
The circumstances surrounding the student’s death remain under investigation, and authorities are expected to provide additional information only when it has been verified and is appropriate for public release.
Valencia National High School has asked the community to respond not with speculation, but with respect, compassion, prayers and support for the bereaved family and everyone affected by the tragedy.
The school community is also being reminded that protecting students extends beyond the classroom. Supervision, communication, guidance and access to appropriate support systems remain essential in safeguarding young people’s welfare.
As the investigation continues, the most responsible response is to allow authorities to establish the facts while giving the family the privacy and space they need to grieve.