- 8-year-old’s death after reported school bullying draws police attention
LOCAL authorities have launched an investigation into the death of an eight-year-old student following an alleged altercation inside a public school in Davao City.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) confirmed the probe after the victim’s mother formally reported the incident on July 22—five days after the alleged incident on July 17.
The young student succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
Police investigators are currently coordinating with school administrators, education officials, and relevant government agencies to establish a precise timeline, gather physical and testimonial evidence, and determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Initial findings and timeline
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Thursday, July 23, Sta. Ana Police Station commander PMAJ Marc Hedssel Culaste disclosed that initial medical findings indicated the victim died of brain failure and traumatic brain injury.
Initial police investigation showed that an altercation between two Grade 3 students occurred around 3 p.m. on July 17 inside the school premises.
“What happened is that the two children quarreled, and the subject [the victim] was allegedly hit,” Culaste told reporters. “As of this time, what is confirmed is that the other boy hit the girl on the head with a notebook. Other allegations that she was elbowed, punched, or kicked in other parts of her body are still subject to further investigation. All other claims remain allegations, so we ask the public to refrain from making premature conclusions.”
Culaste detailed that the victim went home at 5 p.m. on the day of the incident and informed her mother that she had been bullied and was experiencing head and stomach pain. Instead of bringing the child to the doctor immediately, the mother brought her for a traditional massage on July 17.
Two days later, as the child continued to complain of severe pain, the family traveled to Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, to consult another traditional practitioner. Upon returning to Davao City, the child’s condition deteriorated, prompting the family to finally bring her to the hospital on the morning of July 21. The child tragically passed away at 2 p.m. that same day.
“Our initial finding from the attending physician lists the cause of death as brain failure and traumatic brain injury,” Culaste said. “We are still awaiting the official medical report and the results of the ultrasound conducted on her stomach.”
Culaste added that both students involved are eight-year-old Grade 3 pupils.
While social media posts regarding the child’s death have gone viral, Culaste said, “We will not give a premature conclusion; we will wait for all supporting documents and official medical declarations.”
Investigators asked the mother on Wednesday if she was willing to have an autopsy conducted on her child, but she declined.
In an official statement, DCPO chief PCOL Peter Madria expressed his sympathies to the victim’s family and committed to a comprehensive inquiry.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this painful time,” Madria said. “We assure the public that the Davao City Police Office will conduct a thorough, relentless, and completely impartial investigation to uncover the truth and ensure the case is handled strictly in accordance with the law.”
The DCPO also appealed to the public and social media users to refrain from circulating unverified claims or speculative reports, emphasizing the need to protect the family’s privacy and safeguard the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
