The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Office-National Capital Region (FO-NCR) has provided financial assistance worth Php10,000 and family food packs (FFPs) to the families of the two Grade 8 students who were killed in a stabbing incident in Las Piñas City last April 11.

DSWD spokesperson Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Tuesday (April 15) the FO-NCR will also provide burial aid in the coming days based on the directive of Secretary Rex Gatchalian to render all possible assistance to the families of the two junior high school students.

“We are saddened by this incident as children should always have spaces to grow and develop. Ang insidente ay hindi katanggap-tanggap at hindi normal sa kanilang edad. Anumang hindi pagkakaunawaan o hindi pagkakasunduan ay hindi dapat nauuwi sa paggamit ng dahas,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

Asst. Secretary Dumlao said the DSWD and its attached agencies like the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) and the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) are ready to provide support to the victims’ families as well as the children in conflict with law (CICL).

“ Ang JJWC and CWC ay titiyakin na ang pamilya ng mga biktima ay mabibigyan ng nararapat na suporta at tulong upang matamo nila ang hustisya at makapagpatuloy sa kanilang proseso ng paghilom. We will also ensure that restorative justice approaches are done sa Bahay Pag asa para sa CICL,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out.

The DSWD spokesperson emphasized that it is necessary to safeguard the welfare and rights of the CICL while also seeking reparation for their victims and the victims’ families.

“Restorative justice is not a one-sided approach. It facilitates healing of all parties involved. It ensures that the victims’ families will be heard, and that reparation should be encouraged in ways that are meaningful, child-sensitive, and appropriate,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao explained.

The DSWD, through the JJWC and the CWC, is also coordinating with the Bahay Pag-Asa of Las Piñas regarding the condition of the three CICLs involved in the stabbing incident.

“It takes a village to raise a child starting sa family, barangay, at school para matuto ang mga bata sa pagpapahalaga sa buhay, pagrespeto sa kapwa at pakikipagkaibigan,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao emphasized.

The DSWD spokesperson cited the need for a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders working together to provide support, guidance, and opportunities that will help prevent minors from becoming CICLs. (AKDL)