ILOILO City – There are no youth gangs operating in the city, according to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), following a recent stabbing incident at the Iloilo City National High School involving minors.
ICPO director Police Colonel Kim Legada clarified that the incident was not gang-related but stemmed from a personal dispute among students.
“We have no recorded gangs here in Iloilo City, and the incident at Iloilo City National High School was simply a result of arguments and misunderstandings among students outside the school premises,” stressed Legada.
He assured the public that authorities are taking steps to prevent similar incidents.
“The ICPO has coordinated with the Iloilo City National High School, and our office is ready to provide assistance if they request security checks for students entering the school,” he said.
Legada also emphasized that police officers are not allowed to enter school grounds or conduct interviews without proper authorization.
As for the minors involved, Legada confirmed that the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) is closely monitoring their situation.
“The minors have been released and returned to their parents, with the CSWDO continuing to monitor the family dynamics, as they believe parental supervision is key in shaping children’s behavior,” he added.
Mayor Jerry Treñas, in a press conference, assured that security measures are being heightened across all schools in the city.
“Our police officers will patrol not only Iloilo City National High School but all high schools in the city. We do not have issues with school gangs,” the mayor said./PN
