ILIGAN CITY — A nine-year-old Grade 3 pupil is fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after he was allegedly mauled by a group of high school students in Barangay Maria Cristina, Iligan City.

The victim, identified as Jonard Ensipido, a student of Maria Cristina Falls Elementary School and resident of Purok 30, Zone 12, was reportedly on his way home when he was attacked by five teenage boys who filmed the assault — a video that has since gone viral. Witnesses said the suspects repeatedly punched Ensipido, focusing blows to his head.

Due to the severity of his injuries, Ensipido developed a high fever and was first taken to a local hospital before being transferred to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City for advanced treatment. He was unconscious for several hours before regaining consciousness, but remains in critical condition.

The boy’s family, who earn a living from copra farming, is appealing for financial help to cover rising medical expenses and for justice against the attackers. Known in their community as a helpful and hardworking child, Ensipido often assisted his parents in cleaning coconut husks for copra production.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents and netizens, with many demanding swift action from authorities. Police are conducting follow-up investigations to identify and hold the suspects accountable.