14-Year-Old Charged with Murder After Stabbing Classmate Over P10

14-Year-Old Charged with Murder After Stabbing Classmate Over P10

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | August 3, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – A 14-year-old student faces murder charges following the fatal stabbing of a 13-year-old classmate at a Las Piñas City school. The incident, stemming from a minor dispute over ten pesos, has shocked the community, prompting an immediate suspension of face-to-face classes and an urgent focus on school safety and student well-being.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) confirmed Monday that the accused, currently held at Bahay Pag-asa, underwent inquest proceedings for murder. “He is in temporary custody there,” stated NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo. “That was the recommendation of the fiscal.”

The tragic event unfolded last Friday during a break at Las Piñas National High School. According to police, the altercation began when the suspect allegedly asked the victim to buy bottled water. Upon the victim’s return, a dispute erupted over the P10 change, which the victim claimed to have left at the canteen. The argument quickly escalated, culminating in the suspect allegedly stabbing his classmate with a pocket knife. “The CICL (child in conflict with the law) only bought the pocket knife online,” Asilo clarified, suggesting the weapon was concealed on the suspect’s person, bypassing school security.

While Republic Act No. 9344, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, exempts children under 15 from criminal liability, amendments in RA No. 10630 mandate that children aged 12 to 15 who commit “serious crimes” like murder are deemed “neglected” and require placement in an intensive juvenile intervention and support center.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Las Piñas National High School and Las Piñas National Senior High School (Diego Cera Campus) have suspended all in-person classes from August 3 to August 7, 2026. This five-day suspension, ordered by Las Piñas Mayor April Aguilar-Nery, aims to prioritize the mental health and psychosocial well-being of students and staff. Classes have transitioned to modular distance learning, with regular face-to-face instruction scheduled to resume on August 10, 2026.

Authorities are intensifying efforts to enhance school safety. NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo confirmed collaboration with school authorities to reinforce police assistance desks near campuses. While officers are typically deployed outside school premises, they can enter campuses if requested by school authorities or deemed necessary.

This devastating incident underscores the critical need for comprehensive strategies to address violence, mental health, and security within educational institutions, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.

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