ILOILO City — The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) is pursuing charges against three minors allegedly involved in a violent rumble in Barangay Taft North, Mandurriao district on Sunday afternoon, May 24, as part of a city-wide crackdown on youth violence.
Police reports stated that the victim, a 15-year-old Grade 8 student, was walking home from his part-time job when he was allegedly chased and attacked by three minors hailing from different districts of the city.
The suspects reportedly tripped the victim, causing him to fall. One of the minors then allegedly drew a bladed weapon, made verbal threats, and attempted to stab the victim twice. The victim managed to defend himself and was rescued by other minors in the area.
Due to the assault and fall, the victim sustained a dislocated left hand and bruises on his lower back and shoulder. He was rushed to the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) for treatment and evaluation.
Police Captain Lester Oliveros, chief of Iloilo City Police Station 10, confirmed that investigators have already identified the three suspects. Follow-up home visits were conducted, but none of the minors have returned to their residences.
ICPO is currently coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to secure a discernment assessment. This evaluation will determine whether the minors fully understood the consequences of their actions and can therefore be held criminally liable under juvenile justice laws.
The Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) have also been tapped for appropriate case handling and possible multidisciplinary intervention programs.
Police are likewise encouraging the parents of the minors to cooperate and support legal intervention to ensure their children learn from the incident.
ICPO director Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla said the incident is being treated seriously and warned that such acts of violence among minors will not be tolerated.
“We will not tolerate this kind of incident, and this must stop. Necessary coordination has already been made with concerned agencies for proper intervention and appropriate action,” Parilla said.
He added: “To our minors, let us always choose to do what is right for the good of our community and avoid actions that may harm others or lead to negative consequences.”
Parilla also urged parents, schools, barangay officials, and the wider community to work together in guiding young people and preventing bullying, violence, and delinquent behavior.
As of press time, follow-up operations and further validation of the suspects’ identities were ongoing as authorities prepared possible charges./PN
