Laoag mayor stresses parental responsibility after school stabbing incident

Laoag City Mayor James Bryan Alcid said parents have a role in preventing incidents involving their children, following a stabbing at Balatong Integrated School.

Alcid said the city government had met with the Department of Education and the parents of the students involved to discuss what happened and possible next steps.

According to the mayor, the school principal said the item used in the stabbing was brought onto campus through an entrance while two exits were available. A metal detector sounded during the student’s security check, Alcid said, because of the metal part of the student’s belt.

The mayor noted that searches involving minors are subject to limits under child-protection laws and policies. He also said the parents of both students had agreed not to escalate the matter publicly, as the children were reportedly experiencing bullying in the aftermath.

Alcid urged the public to respect the legal process and refrain from discussing or judging the students while the matter is handled through appropriate channels.

He added that the local government would hold parents accountable if similar incidents occur in the future, and called on them to guide and supervise their children to help keep schools and communities safe.