Authorities on Friday reported that two students were hospitalized after being stabbed outside Rizal High School in Pasig City last Thursday as seven minors are now in police custody.

The incident, which occurred around 3 p.m., left a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old student with stab wounds. They were taken to Child Hope Hospital for treatment. The 14-year-old, who sustained a chest wound, is under observation, while the 15-year-old is in stable condition, according to the Pasig City Police Station.

Initial reports disclosed that the altercation stemmed from a heated quarrel among students that began inside the school and escalated into a physical confrontation outside after classes.

A 14-year-old student allegedly stabbed the victims, one in the chest and the other in the lower back, before fleeing the scene.

“The students’ fight led to the stabbing of the two victims,” said Pasig City Police chief Police Colonel Hendrix Mangaldan in a statement. “It’s very sensitive because those involved are all minors. Nonetheless, we conducted the proper investigation and the seven minors are now in the custody of the Pasig police.”

A follow-up operation led to the detention of the seven minors, who are considered children in conflict with the law. A folding knife, believed to be the weapon used in the stabbing, was recovered.

Meantime, Rizal High School Principal Richard Santos said the school has security protocols in place, including random checks of students’ belongings for sharp objects.

“We check the personal belongings of the children and we confiscate many sharp objects such as knives, but we cannot do it every day,” Santos said.

Santos also confirmed that the 14-year-old student is “still receiving careful observation” while the 15-year-old is “currently in stable condition.” He also stated that one person involved in the incident remains at large.

“We understand that this situation is understandably distressing for our entire community,” Santos said in a bulletin. “It is reassuring to know that the individuals believed to be involved in the altercation, except for one who is still at large, have been taken into custody by the Pasig City Police.”

In other developments, the school’s Child Protection Committee convened Friday to discuss responses and interventions to prevent future incidents.

“To further ensure the safety of our students, we are enhancing our safety measures during dismissal. We have requested increased visibility from Barangay Enforcers and police in the area,” Santos said.

The local government of Pasig City, on the other hand, released a statement condemning the violence and said they are coordinating with the Pasig Police and the Schools Division Office of Pasig to investigate the matter.

“For the protection of both students, we enjoin everyone to be more circumspect in sharing the videos,” the local government said.

Police are coordinating with the City Social Welfare and Development Office and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto in connection with the incident.

A video circulating online reportedly shows a group of students ganging up on another student, with the fight ending when blood was noticed on the victim’s uniform.