Classmates kill fifth grader

MANILA, Philippines - A grade five student at the Baguio Central School died Thursday at a hospital after four of his classmates reportedly attacked him during an argument.

Chris Angelo Estrellado, 10, who was seated immediately in front of the teacher’s table, thought a group of boys were laughing at him. An argument started and led to a fight, in which one reportedly choked him and another stabbed him with a ballpen.

Estrellado was reportedly comatose by the time he arrived at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center. Cordillera crime laboratory medical officer Superintendent Jaime Rodrigo Leal said the cause of death was asphyxia secondary to strangulation.

School principal Dr. William Rilveria said the class was made to do seatwork during their Filipino subject because the teacher was absent. Rilveria said other teachers would check on the students from time to time.