BACOLOD City — Four men, including a minor, are facing possible physical injury charges after allegedly assaulting a 16-year-old Grade 11 student outside a high school in La Castellana, Negros Occidental on July 29.
Police said the student, identified only by the alias “Lester,” was allegedly attacked after he was mistaken for another person linked to a conflict between two groups.
The four suspects, aged 17, 18, 19 and 26, are all residents of La Castellana, according to the La Castellana Municipal Police Station.
A video of the incident showed the student sitting on his motorcycle when one of the suspects approached and punched him. The victim fought back, but was subsequently attacked by the suspect’s companions.
The student sustained bruises and injuries to his face and head.
The Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the La Castellana police said the suspects were not students of the school but were only visiting the area.
Police Staff Sergeant Ritchel Silim, the case investigator, said the victim was apparently caught in a conflict involving the suspects and a group of his friends.
“May old grudges silang magka-grupo. Naano lang siya, napagkamalan. Hindi pala siya. Hindi na muna siya pinapasok sa eskuwelahan para sa kanyang safety,” Silim said.
The victim’s mother, identified as Mimi, said she initially thought the incident was merely a fight between students until she saw the video of the assault.
“Noong una, nang hindi pa namin nakita ang video, akala ko, parang suntok lang na normal lang. Akala ko, away-bata lang. Pero nalaman ko na outsider pala iyon. Nakita ko sa video, talagang kawawa ang aking anak,” she said.
The parties attended a mediation conference on August 4, 2026, with representatives from the WCPD, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and barangay officials.
However, the victim’s mother decided to pursue the filing of criminal charges instead of settling the matter through mediation.
The suspects have already been identified by authorities, and the victim’s parents said they are determined to file physical injury charges against them.
Silim said the victim has been advised to temporarily stay away from school for his safety. The student is also scheduled to undergo counseling following the incident.
The police investigation is continuing. Whille the Department of Education in Negros Occidental had yet to issue a statement on the incident despite requests for comment./PN
