Authorities in Bacolod City are conducting a thorough investigation into the tragic death of a teenage boy who fell from the upper level of a local shopping center.
Details of the Tragic Incident
A 17-year-old resident of Bacolod lost his life on the evening of January 7, 2026. The incident occurred at a mall within the city's jurisdiction. Initial reports from the Bacolod City Police Station 1 indicate that the young man went to the building's fifth floor alone at approximately 9:29 p.m.
Captain Efren Legada, the commander of Police Station 1, confirmed that a security guard discovered the boy, who had sustained severe injuries from the fall. The guard immediately arranged for the victim to be taken to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, the teenager did not survive his injuries.
Police Probe and Family's Silence
Captain Legada emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages. The police are coordinating with mall management to obtain and review closed circuit television (CCTV) camera footage. This crucial step aims to piece together the events leading to the fall and determine whether it was a case of suicide or if foul play was involved.
"As of now, we cannot conclude that this was a suicide," Legada stated, keeping all possibilities open. He also revealed that the boy's family has chosen not to provide further details about his background. Investigators learned that prior to the incident, the teenager had sent a video to his parents, the contents of which are part of the ongoing inquiry.
Call for Enhanced Security Measures
In the wake of this tragedy, Captain Legada has urged the management of the mall to reevaluate and strengthen its security protocols. His recommendations include increasing visible patrols within the mall's area of responsibility to help prevent similar incidents in the future. The appeal highlights a community-focused approach to safety in public spaces.
The case remains active as authorities await more evidence from the CCTV review and continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking loss of a young life in Bacolod City.
