Jealousy leads to Grade 9 mauling

Authorities reported that a Grade 9 student remains hospitalized after he was allegedly attacked by a group of individuals outside a barangay hall in Sampaloc, Manila.

Reports said that the incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. in front of the Barangay 520 hall. Officials said the attack was triggered by jealousy involving a former relationship.

The victim, identified as alias “Jonathan,” was walking alone when two male suspects allegedly approached him and began punching him.

Video footage of the incident shows the suspects continuing to assault the victim after he fell to the ground, despite attempts by female students to intervene.

The footage also captured a woman in a red shirt who officials say was involved in the incident. Rather than stopping the commotion, the woman allegedly retrieved an object that fell from one of the attackers.

While the woman claimed the object was a vape, witnesses told officials it was an ice pick.

“She really had an intention,” said barangay kagawad Yolanda Correa. “They said they really wanted to finish him off. It was only because our village captain acted quickly that it was prevented.”

A third student arrived during the assault and allegedly kicked the victim in the face before the group fled as barangay personnel approached.

The motive reportedly stems from a breakup. According to Correa, the victim’s former girlfriend had ended their relationship, leading to threats involving the group.

Three of the four suspects were turned over to the barangay by their parents. Two of the suspects are adults.

“The fathers said they surrendered them because their children are really unruly,” Correa said.

The suspects were taken to the Sampaloc Police Station, where charges are being prepared. One minor suspect may face charges pending an assessment of discernment. Authorities are still searching for the male suspect who allegedly kicked the victim.

Barangay officials cited that student altercations are a recurring issue in the area due to the high density of schools.

While police conduct regular patrols, officials are calling for the establishment of stationary police posts near campuses to deter future violence.

The Manila Police District has not yet issued an official statement regarding the case.