Baguio student buried with no justice in sight

Relatives and classmates of Kenneth Velasco attend his burial in Baguio City on Friday. —EV ESPIRITU

BAGUIO CITY—The 16-year-old high school student, who was stabbed and killed on Monday on his way to school here, was buried on Friday, with no clear answers as to who did it or why he was attacked.

Friends and family members of Kenneth Velasco tried not to shed tears when his coffin was blessed by a priest at the St. Vincent Church before the funeral Mass.

Claire, Kenneth’s mother, was stony-eyed. “I don’t have any more tears,” she said.

Gener, Kenneth’s father, was in anguish. He said the brutality that claimed his son’s life was unbearable.

His classmates from Grade 10 of the Pines City National High School showed up, carrying a banner that said: “Justice for Kenneth Velasco. God has you in his arms. We have you in our hearts.”

Kenneth was found dead in an alley stairway leading to the back entrance of his school at 6:55 a.m. on Monday. His body bore close to 40 stab wounds, possibly from an ice pick.

The alley is often used by students traveling to the city center via Naguilian Road, but school officials have discouraged its use because of reports that criminals have been preying on students there. Kenneth supposedly lost cash and a tablet computer after the attack.

Kenneth’s classmates carried white roses to the funeral Mass and admitted the killing had made them fearful.

“We don’t use that shortcut anymore,” one of them said.

The back gate of the school, which was intended for employees, has since been shut down, said Rowena Dumaguin, the school’s administrative officer.

Police have “persons of interest” who may shed light on Kenneth’s slaying.

“We exhausted all leads [to get to the truth],” said Senior Supt. Ramil Sacules, city police director.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan and a civic group have put up a P150,000-reward to help solve the case. —VINCENT CABREZA AND EV ESPIRITU