BACOLOD CITY — A Grade 9 student was stabbed by a schoolmate on Tuesday afternoon, outside the premises of Julio Ledesma National High School (JLNHS) in Teachers Village, Barangay 2 in San Carlos City, authorities reported on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The incident occurred around 3:40 p.m. Both students are 17 years old, according to the Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region (PRO NIR).
The victim, who sustained a stab wound to the lower right side of his abdomen, was immediately brought to San Carlos City Hospital, where he remains conscious and is receiving medical treatment.
The Grade 10 suspect was caught following a police pursuit, and the bladed weapon used in the attack was recovered.
The stabbing incident occurred a day after a shooting involving 14 and 15-year-olds at another school in Tacloban, Leyte killed 3 and injured dozens.
Investigators established that the assault at JLNHS stemmed from an old personal grudge between the two teenagers.
In an official statement, JLNHS confirmed the incident took place outside school grounds.
The administration said that faculty members had held class debriefings in response to the recent school shooting in Tacloban City.
“Before the incident, the learner had communicated to the class adviser about a perceived threat. In response, the adviser instructed the learner not to leave the school campus while efforts were being made to contact the parent or guardian,” the school said.
However, the student chose to leave the premises despite the warning.
JLNHS added that it has since increased security measures and was conducting meetings to review and strengthen existing safety protocols and student support interventions.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson described the incident as "deeply disturbing, coming amid rising concerns over violence in and around schools."
“Schools are meant to be places of learning, growth, and opportunity — environments where students feel safe, respected, and free to pursue their education without fear,” Lacson said.
He urged all school heads, administrators, and both public and private education officials to remain vigilant and committed to securing campuses.
“Safety requires more than rules; it calls for active leadership and close coordination with parents, local government units, law enforcement, and the entire community,” the governor added.