Teen who threw fatal punch under psychological evaluation

Manila, Philippines -  A 14-year-old second year high school student of the Benigno Aquino High School in Makati City is currently undergoing psychological evaluation after he reportedly punched a schoolmate who later died.

The teen figured in a fistfight with high school freshman Paul Maegan Balili, 15, who died when he hit his head on the school’s concrete floor after receiving the blow allegedly dealt by the suspect.

According to acting city police chief Superintendent Jaime Santos, results of the boy’s psychological evaluation would determine when he could be returned to his parents. Santos admitted that being a minor, the suspect would not be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide until he turns 18.

“He will remain in the custody of his parents until the parents of the victim file the charges against him when he turns 18. However, he is not exempted from a civil case for damages which his parents will be the ones to answer,” Santos said.

Santos described the incident that led to Balili’s death as an “isolated” one and purely accidental.