Coed stabbed by ex-boyfriend in Lipa campus

Batangas , Philippines  – A 17-year-old female student is in critical condition after she was stabbed thrice by her spurned former boyfriend at the De La Salle-Lipa campus in Lipa City Monday afternoon, police said.

Senior Superintendent Alberto Supapo, Batangas police director, said Joan (not her real name) sustained stab wounds in the chest and abdomen and was rushed to the Mary Mediatrix Hospital.

The suspect, identified as John Ryan Mariño, 18, a computer engineering student, was arrested. He is now detained at the Lipa police station.

Reports said Joan, a first-year electrical engineering student, was attending her class when two of her female friends signaled her to step out of her classroom.

When Joan stepped out to meet the two at the corridor, Mariño suddenly appeared from behind and accosted her.

Witnesses said they saw the two in a heated argument. During the verbal tussle, Mariño reportedly stabbed Joan with a small “balisong” concealed in his pocket.

Police said Mariño hurriedly left the building after the stabbing but was caught by responding school security personnel.

In an interview with The STAR at the Lipa police, Mariño admitted stabbing his former girlfriend due a sudden burst of anger “dahil inilaglag nya ako (she dumped me),” and sought forgiveness.

In an e-mailed statement, Juan Lozano, vice chancellor of De La Salle-Lipa, said, “The school is undertaking its own investigation of the incident and in the meantime has extended assistance for the victim’s hospitalization expenses.”

Lozano said the school has also convened its Discipline Board to take immediate administrative action against Mariño.

“Initial word points primarily to personal, non-school-related issues as the reason for the incident. A more definite picture shall be presented as soon as all the relevant facts are in,” he added.

Lozano assured the public that the school is doing its best to continue providing its students with a Lasallian education in a safe and peaceful environment conducive to studying and similar intellectual pursuits.