The Grade 9 student injured in a stabbing incident in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, and his family have received psychosocial support and financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR).
In a report on Thursday, June 25, the agency said its Social Welfare and Development (SWAD)-Negros Occidental Team, led by social welfare officer Mary Katherine Rico, visited the minor victim at the San Carlos City Hospital on Wednesday.
“As part of the intervention, the team assessed his condition and provided immediate assistance and psychosocial support,” it said.
The 17-year-old student of Julio Ledesma National High School was stabbed by a Grade 10 student outside the campus on June 23.
The suspect, also 17, was arrested by the police with a bladed weapon in his possession. The investigation showed the incident was triggered by a grudge.
“A case assessment and interview were conducted to gather information regarding the incident, determine the family’s immediate concerns, and identify appropriate interventions and support services,” the DSWD-NIR said.
The SWAD Team extended cash relief assistance of PHP10,000 to the victim’s family as well as provided psychological first aid to both the minor and his parents to help them cope with the emotional and psychological effects of the incident, it added.
Afterwards, the DSWD-NIR personnel met with city administrator Estefanio Libutan Jr. to provide updates on the case and discuss the interventions being extended by the agency to the victim and his family.
The SWAD Team also visited the city’s Guidance Center, where the minor suspect was being temporarily detained, as part of the ongoing assessment and coordination process.
“Through coordinated case management, financial assistance, psychosocial support, and close collaboration with local government units and partner agencies, the social welfare agency continues to uphold the best interests of children and promote their safety and well-being,” the DSWD-NIR said.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region said that since the case involves minors, it is “being handled with utmost care and sensitivity by the city police station’s Women and Children Protection Desk in accordance with existing laws and child protection protocols.”
“While the incident did not occur within school premises, it highlights the importance of early intervention, strong parental guidance and sustained collaboration among schools, communities and law enforcement in preventing youth violence,” it added.*PNA
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