Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has strongly condemned the violence inflicted on a person with disability (PWD) aboard public transportation, emphasizing its commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD's Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) Director Edwin Morata highlighted that a video circulating on social media vividly showed the distress experienced by the PWD and the aggression from the perpetrators. Morata described the incident as inhumane and insisted that it must be addressed by the law. He stated that the assault involved kicking, punching, and even electrocution of the PWD, actions which he asserted have no justification.

He further stressed that persons with disabilities are among the most vulnerable groups in society and are under the care of the State. The government is dedicated to ensuring that this sector receives necessary assistance to protect their rights and welfare. Violent actions against any member of the PWD sector hinder efforts to include them in nation-building.

Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., government agencies are adopting a comprehensive approach to safeguard and promote the welfare of persons with disabilities. The DSWD is actively coordinating to locate the victim to provide appropriate assistance and interventions, including both medical and psychological support to help process the trauma from the incident.

The DSWD is also appealing to the public for any information regarding the perpetrators, urging reports to be made to law enforcers, the DSWD, or any government agency. The rights and welfare of persons with disabilities are protected under various laws, including the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability and Republic Act No. 7277, which prohibit discrimination and ensure public accommodations for PWDs. Abuse, as outlined under the Revised Penal Code and other relevant laws, is punishable by imprisonment, with penalties contingent on the severity of the act.