TWO minors were taken into custody for allegedly bullying a classmate at Basilan National High School, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The incident was reported to the Isabela City Police Station on June 26 by the victim’s father, prompting authorities to classify the suspects as children in conflict with the law (CICL).
“The father revealed that the suspects allegedly forced his son to smoke, and when he refused, they punched, kicked, and hit his head against the wall several times,” the PNP said in a statement on Saturday.
Police added that one of the suspects reportedly pulled out a knife and threatened to stab the victim.
The victim sustained serious injuries and was initially treated at a hospital in Isabela City before being transferred to Zamboanga City for further medical care.
Following the report, police inspected the school and coordinated with its guidance office. A case conference revealed that the suspects had prior behavioral issues and had not returned home after the incident.
With the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the suspects were later located and turned over to a CICL center in line with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.
The PNP said counseling and intervention programs will be provided to the students involved, in coordination with the DSWD and the school.
