MANILA, Philippines – A boy was choked to death by his classmate in Dumalag, Capiz.

The victim, an 8-year-old Grade 1 pupil, was allegedly beaten up and choked by a 9-year-old Grade 3 pupil while they were playing at the back of Bontog Elementary School in Barangay Santo Angel.

The beating was allegedly witnessed by another playmate who is also the victim’s cousin.

The victim, already unconscious, was rushed by a teacher to Dumalag Rural Health Center. The victim did not survive.

The victim’s family blamed the school administration for letting the incident happen.

Police have also launched an investigation to determine if other children were involved in the incident.

Under Philippine laws, minors are exempted from criminal liabilities and may only be placed under the care of social workers for rehabilitation. – report from Jenel Baclay, ABS-CBN News Iloilo