Grade 10 Student Killed After Defending Girlfriend in Manila Stabbing
A Grade 10 student lost his life in a stabbing incident after defending his girlfriend in Barangay 649 in Baseco Compound, Manila.
On Monday night, February 9, 2026, the 15-year-old victim was described as a caring son and friend, was attacked by a 16-year-old schoolmate following a misunderstanding that began days earlier.
CCTV footage taken behind a school at around 7:00 in the evening showed the suspect waiting along the road. Shortly after, the victim arrived with a group of friends. The two teenagers quickly faced each other, and what started as a heated encounter turned into a fistfight.
“Ang sabi dahil dun sa girlfriend sa pagtanggol kasi binastos daw po yung girlfriend… nakita ng anak ko na yung inamba siyang susuntukin tapos nakita ng anak ko… syempre bilang boyfriend nabastusan siya,” the victim’s mother Rhoda Ricabar said.
A separate cellphone video later revealed that the suspect was already holding a knife during the struggle.
After a few moments, the victim was seen holding his stomach as he walked away with his friends. His strength slowly faded until he collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital, but doctors were unable to save him due to the multiple stab wounds he suffered on different parts of his body.
The victim’s mother shared that she had just arrived home from work when she received the heartbreaking news. The family was left devastated by the sudden loss of a young life full of promise.
Authorities said the conflict reportedly started over the weekend after the suspect was accused of disrespecting the victim’s girlfriend. What seemed like a simple argument slowly grew into anger that was never resolved.
The victim’s girlfriend, who is also a minor, confirmed that there had been tension but said she never expected the situation to end in violence. Meanwhile, the suspect’s mother claimed her son believed the incident began as playful teasing and said he felt threatened after being surrounded, leading him to act out of fear.
Police later recovered the knife used in the attack from a trash bin near the suspect’s home. Barangay officials said fights among youths are not new in the area despite regular patrols. After the incident, patrols will be strengthened, especially near schools. Parents were also reminded to closely guide their children to prevent similar tragedies.
The minor suspect is now under the custody of the Manila Police District as a child in conflict with the law, while the investigation continues.
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