Teen’s night out ends in tragedy after violent encounter in Iloilo town

• A 15-year-old boy was stabbed 13 times by three fellow minors in Dueñas, Iloilo
• The victim was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival
• Police said the attack may have been an act of retaliation linked to a previous incident
• The victim’s grandmother vowed to pursue justice despite her grief

A tragic incident involving minors has shaken the town of Dueñas, Iloilo after a 15-year-old boy was stabbed to death by three juveniles on the evening of December 12, 2025. The victim, known by the alias “Toto,” was a resident of Barangay Tahing in Calinog, Iloilo.

Based on police reports, the stabbing happened in Barangay Capuling. The victim sustained 13 stab wounds on different parts of his body, including his feet and stomach. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

An investigation by the Dueñas Police revealed that the victim was with four friends, all of whom were also minors, earlier that evening. The group reportedly went to town to watch a fireworks display. After the event, they decided to visit the house of a common friend in Barangay Capuling and traveled on two separate motorcycles.

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While passing through a crossing in the barangay, the victim stopped to urinate. At that moment, stones were allegedly hurled at them by the suspects. The victim tried to escape but was chased. Two of the suspects, identified as alias “Tam-tam” and alias “Christian,” caught up with him and stabbed him repeatedly. The weapon used in the crime was not recovered by authorities.

Dueñas Police investigator Corporal Regienald Lawague shared details of the attack, saying, “Habang sinasaksak siya, atras lang siya nang atras at doon na siya natagpuan nang patay. Base sa pahayag ng suspek, dala rin raw ito ng kalasingan.” According to police, intoxication may have played a role in the violent act.

Alias “Tam-tam,” 17 years old, was later rescued from his residence in Barangay San Isidro, Dueñas. Another suspect, alias “Bulldog,” who was allegedly driving the motorcycle, voluntarily surrendered to authorities. Meanwhile, alias “Christian” remains at large as of this writing.

Police said the stabbing was likely an act of retaliation. Lawague explained that a conflict between two groups occurred during the town fiesta on September 30. “Nagkataon na may tyansa silang maghiganti kaya iyon na, sinaksak nila ang biktima,” he said, adding that the suspects may have acted first upon seeing an opportunity.

Authorities are now awaiting the assessment of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office regarding the discernment of the suspects, which will determine the filing of murder charges.

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The victim’s 77-year-old grandmother, Thel, expressed her grief and determination to seek justice for her grandson. “Hindi ko matanggap ang nangyari. Parang ginawa nilang baboy. Hindi ako makakain dahil iniisip ko ang nangyari,” she said. Despite her pain, she remained firm, adding, “Sana makulong na sila.”

The case has renewed discussions on juvenile crime and the need for guidance and protection for minors, both as victims and offenders, especially during community events and gatherings.

Cases involving minors continue to raise serious concerns across the country. In a recent report, authorities investigated a man accused of coercing minors into producing explicit photos and videos online. The case highlighted the growing risks minors face both offline and in digital spaces.

Another incident that sparked public outrage involved a viral video of an undressed minor driving a car. The Land Transportation Office later identified the vehicle’s owner as part of the investigation, underscoring the role of adults in preventing dangerous situations involving minors.

Source: KAMI.com.gh