A girl's complaint led to the clash of two out-of-school youth groups on the grounds of Rizal Park in Ermita, Manila before dawn Saturday, killing a 14-year-old boy during the melee.

Police Chief Insp. Erwin Margarejo, chief of Manila Police District – Homicide section (MPD-Homicide), said victim Jayson Pagdanganan, 14, of 59 Purok 1, Bungad, Isla Puting Bato, Tondo in Manila was declared dead on arrival at the Gat Andres Bonifacio Hospital due to a stab wound in his back.

The suspects, who were all minors, in the stabbing incident were identified as Julius Cajefe, 16, of 843 Camba Street, Binondo Manila; Rodney Lansona, 16, of 219 San Nicolas Street, Binondo, Manila; and Edman Sapasap, 16, of 286 Lavezares Street, Binondo, Manila.

Margarejo said the suspects will be transferred to the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) due to their age.

Based on the investigation conducted by SPO1 Edgardo Ko of the MPD – Homicide Section, the brawl between the two out-of-school youth groups took place at around 12:10 a.m. at Rizal Park fronting Quirino Grandstand, Ermita, Manila.

Ko said Pagdanganan, together with 30 of his friends from Isla Puting Bato, were all resting on the grassy area of the park after playing cops and robbers chase when a wayward volleyball owned by a 15-year-old girl hit the face of the victim.

Pagdanganan, who was then reportedly fuming with anger, scolded the girl for her carelessness. The girl in return, told his so-called brother about the incident which irked her brother's group of friends composed of 20 members.

A heated verbal tussle between the two groups took place, triggering a brief fist fight between group members.

The melee, according to Ko, only ended when the suspects punched and stabbed the victim in the back.