In Northern Samar
TACLOBAN CITY-A 16-year-old girl was stabbed Sunday evening, March 8, while inside an elementary school in Barangay Dolores, Las Navas, Northern Samar, prompting the immediate arrest of the alleged attacker by barangay officials.
Police identified the victim as H.L.A., an out-of-school youth and resident of the village.
According to a report from the Las Navas Municipal Police Station, the incident occurred at around 7:20 p.m. 8 while the teenager was inside one of the classrooms of the barangay elementary school charging her cellphone.
The victim’s father, identified as “Ed,” 40, a farmer, later reported the incident to police at around 11:30 p.m.
Initial investigation revealed that the suspect, identified only as “Onel,” 38, a construction worker and also a resident of Barangay Dolores, allegedly approached the girl while she was alone in the classroom.
The suspect reportedly flicked the victim’s nose, suddenly covered her mouth, and stabbed her on the right shoulder using a kitchen knife.
Despite the injury, the teenager managed to break free and run outside the school premises to seek help.
A concerned resident immediately brought her to the Las Navas Rural Health Unit for initial medical treatment.
Due to the seriousness of her wound, the victim was later referred to the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital for further medical care.
Barangay officials quickly responded and apprehended the suspect after the victim positively identified him as the assailant.
The weapon used in the attack, a kitchen knife, was later recovered by a barangay tanod identified as “Jojo” from a nearby creek. The knife is currently in the custody of the barangay authorities.
The suspect was subsequently turned over to the Las Navas Municipal Police Station for proper disposition as authorities prepare the appropriate charges against him.
Police have yet to determine the motive behind the attack, while the victim continues to recover from her injuries.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
