The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has intensified security operations around schools following the stabbing of two high school students near Damosa in Bajada on July 6, 2026. Six minors, classified as Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), are in custody after a follow-up operation by the Sasa Police Station.
Police Major Ma. Teresita Gaspan, DCPO spokesperson, announced during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing on July 8 that authorities reassessed security deployment after identifying schools with repeated student altercations, especially during arrival, lunch breaks, and dismissal.
Details of the Incident
The stabbing occurred in broad daylight near Diamond Village in Damosa. The victims were surrounded by a group of youths before being stabbed. One student sustained three stab wounds to the back; the other had one stab wound. Both were rushed to Southern Philippines Medical Center for treatment.
Police from Station 4 conducted a hot-pursuit operation, arresting six minors in Barangay San Jose, Buhangin. The alleged primary suspect, alias "Justin," surrendered a Swiss knife believed used in the attack after being identified by the victims.
Police Response and Coordination
Gaspan emphasized collaboration with school administrators, barangay officials, and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to prevent similar incidents and strengthen intervention programs for at-risk youth. "This is not solely the responsibility of the police in securing our communities. It is a shared responsibility among schools, barangays, and other stakeholders to address these problems," she said.
Police have observed an increase in cases involving minors, prompting stricter enforcement of local ordinances and child protection laws. Under Davao City's curfew ordinance and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, minors found in public at night without supervision may be placed under protective custody and turned over to families via barangay authorities and the Women and Children Protection Desk.
Enhanced Security Measures
The DCPO is encouraging schools to conduct student inspections, implement a "No ID, No Entry" policy, and maintain functional CCTV systems. Police Assistance Desks remain stationed outside schools, and patrols are intensified during peak student movement: 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Police officers are deployed inside campuses only upon request and assessment. To maximize manpower, officers from campuses with lower security needs are reassigned during evening hours to higher-risk schools and communities.
Challenges and Community Role
Gaspan acknowledged manpower challenges, with only around 2,200 personnel for the entire city. She stressed that public safety requires active participation from parents, teachers, barangay officials, and community members. The DCPO also collaborates with Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children to identify at-risk children and provide intervention before they engage in criminal activities.
The six suspects, being CICL, are processed under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act in coordination with social welfare authorities. DCPO Director Police Colonel Peter Madria said the swift resolution reflects the city's commitment to addressing crimes involving CICL and Children at Risk (CAR) while ensuring student safety.
