Zamboanga city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - Zamboanga Peninsula has commenced psychological first aid (PFA) interventions for students at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) Junior High School following a shooting incident on August 18 involving a minor.
According to Philippines News Agency, eight students, aged between 11 and 14, received PFA from DSWD mental health professionals on August 19. This initiative is part of the department's immediate response to provide psychosocial support to those impacted by the incident. DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized that the intervention was conducted in a supportive environment, enabling students to express their emotions and concerns while learning healthy coping strategies.
During discussions with the school's administration, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured the public of ongoing support through aftercare services and additional interventions, including Enhanced Trauma-Informed Care, medical assistance, and Parent Effectiveness Sessions (PES) if needed. The regional social welfare office plans to extend PFA sessions to ADZU teachers and staff, while the DSWD Academy will facilitate trauma psychosocial support training for front-line responders next week.
Dumlao highlighted that the upcoming training aims to equip responders with the skills necessary to provide sensitive and effective psychosocial support. The department also intends to expand its Parent Effectiveness Sessions to enhance parental capacity in guiding children, particularly in managing new media and technology.
Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive, the DSWD remains committed to ensuring that those affected by the shooting receive appropriate government interventions.
In a related development, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida disclosed that investigations are underway to confirm reports of online 'mentoring' activities that encourage minors to engage in criminal acts. Vida noted that recruitment often occurs through online group chats and urged parents to closely monitor their children's activities. The DOJ is considering discussions with the Anti-Terrorism Council regarding potential links to nihilistic violent extremism (NVE) involving minors.
Vida also called on netizens to exercise restraint and avoid resharing violent video clips of the attack, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior online.
