2 high schoolers hurt in stabbing

CEBU, Philippines - Two high school students were injured after they were stabbed by alleged members of a notorious gang outside their school in Barangay Gudalupe on Monday night.

Victims James Pagula, 18, and his 17-year-old companion, both first year high school students of Ramon Duterte Memorial High School landed at the hospital after the incident.

Three minor suspects were arrested during follow up operation conducted by the police. Another suspect identified only as certain Aning, 22, of Barangay Quiot was able to escape.

According to the investigation, the victims were walking on their way home after attending their class at past 9 pm when the suspects blocked their way. The victims were able to recognize one of the suspects who is said to be a member of Crips gang.

A fistfight between the suspects and the victims occurred first before the stabbing ensued.

The victims were taken to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center onboard the mobile patrol of Guadalupe Police Station accompanied by their instructors Roman Jhon Christian Gatbonton and Bernadette Maglangit.

The minor victim said he allegedly figured in a heated verbal tussle with one of the suspects last December 14 in the same area.

PO1 Joel Zamora of the Homicide Section said the victims are now in stable condition while criminal complaints are being prepared against the suspects.

Zamora immediately dismissed the possibility that the incident was gang-related. He said the motive was personal because the victims were not affiliated with any gang or fraternity.—  (FREEMAN)