PHNOM PENH / SIHANOUKVILLE, 14 February 2026 — Following a widely reported incident of physical confrontation involving students at Samdech Ov Secondary School in Sihanoukville, competent provincial authorities, led by the Sihanoukville Military Police, have initiated immediate legal procedures to address the matter and ensure the welfare of all parties concerned. The incident, which occurred on the afternoon of February 13, 2026, resulted in a minor sustaining injuries to the head, who is currently receiving necessary medical treatment in hospital.
Brigadier General Heng Bunty, Commander of the Sihanoukville Provincial Military Police, confirmed that law enforcement personnel promptly detained the alleged perpetrator, also a minor aged 13. Given the age of the individual involved, the resolution of this case is being handled meticulously in strict adherence to the principles outlined in the Law on Juvenile Justice. The primary focus of the authorities involves immediate coordination between the guardians of both the victim and the alleged aggressor to facilitate mediation, explore appropriate compensation, and ensure that all subsequent legal steps are executed transparently and ethically.
Furthermore, this incident highlights the critical responsibility of educational institutions to maintain a secure and non-violent environment for all learners. The relevant institutions are reminded of their duty to uphold internal regulations and national standards for child protection, and to cooperate fully with law enforcement in the preservation of evidence. Authorities strongly advise against the unregulated sharing of personal information and alleged facts on social media platforms, emphasizing the need to protect the privacy and dignity of minors involved in sensitive legal proceedings.
This case underscores the commitment of Cambodian authorities to a prompt investigation and equitable resolution, reinforcing the imperative of collaboration between security forces, academic administration, and parental units to safeguard the best interests of the child and prevent future recurrence of school violence.
References: Law on Juvenile Justice (2016), Principles from the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
