Another bullying incident? Baguio family seeks help for 13-year-old who lost eye after getting punched

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A 13-year-old boy has lost one of his eyes following an alleged punch by a 12-year-old child in an incident the family described as bullying.

Now recovering from surgery, the boy—identified only as alias “EAN”—may need a prosthetic eye, prompting his family to seek medical, legal and social welfare assistance.

The family's appeal was relayed to Bombo Radyo Baguio through a friend, who said EAN suffered a severe eye injury after he was allegedly punched by the younger child.

According to the letter, the injury was so serious that doctors eventually had to surgically remove the affected eye.

“EAN, who is only 13 years old, suffered a devastating injury after allegedly being punched in the eye by a 12-year-old child. Despite receiving medical treatment, his eye could no longer be saved and had to be surgically removed,” the letter stated.

Facing long recovery, prosthetic eye

The family is now concerned about EAN's continuing medical needs, including the cost of a prosthetic eye and possible future replacements as he grows.

According to the letter, EAN may need about three months to recover from the surgery before he can be fitted with a prosthetic eye. Future replacement may also be necessary depending on his growth and the type of prosthesis.

His immediate hospital expenses were covered through his father's PhilHealth benefits, the sender said.

However, the family said they have yet to receive a definite commitment from the parents of the 12-year-old regarding assistance for EAN's future medical and prosthetic-eye expenses.

Barangay meeting ends without agreement

The two families have reportedly met at the barangay, with a social welfare representative present, to discuss the incident and the concerns of both sides.

According to the sender, however, the meeting ended without a definite agreement on how EAN's continuing medical needs would be addressed.

The parents of the younger child reportedly said they would seek assistance from doctors they know, but the family said no definite timetable or details on the assistance were provided.

Family seeks legal guidance

Because both children are minors, EAN's family is also seeking guidance on the legal and child-protection processes that may apply.

The family stressed that it is not seeking unfair treatment of the 12-year-old, acknowledging that the younger child is also protected under laws concerning minors.

Instead, they want to understand their legal options and the possible responsibilities of the adults involved, particularly regarding EAN's welfare and continuing medical needs.

“We are not asking for the law to be violated or for the other child to be treated unfairly.

What we are asking for is guidance and assistance in determining what legal remedies and responsibilities may apply in this situation,” the letter stated.

Appeal for assistance

The family is appealing to government agencies, legal authorities, social welfare offices and organizations that may be able to provide assistance or guidance.

They are seeking help in understanding the appropriate legal channels and accessing support for EAN's medical needs, including his future prosthetic eye.

The family said it is prepared to provide medical records, hospital documents, barangay records, PhilHealth documents and other relevant records to support its account of the incident.

“We are not asking for special treatment. We are simply asking for someone to help this family understand their rights, find the proper legal and government channels, and secure the support EAN needs for his future,” the letter stated.

The circumstances of the incident, including the respective responsibilities of those involved, remain subject to investigation and applicable child-protection and legal processes.

For now, EAN continues to recover from surgery as his family seeks assistance for his medical needs and guidance on the appropriate steps to take.

Separate bullying case also draws attention

The reported incident comes as Baguio authorities and school officials are also addressing a separate case involving students of Pinget National High School.

That case gained public attention after a video of an alleged student assault circulated online, prompting the school and Baguio City Government to urge the public to stop sharing the footage.

Authorities and school officials stressed that the students involved are minors and that their privacy, dignity and welfare must be protected while the case is handled through proper procedures.