Students slain and wounded during the Tacloban City’s San Jose National High School shooting will get additional cash aid from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., following the release of a P1-million aid fund from the Office of the President, Malacañang Palace announced on Wednesday.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said families of the three slain students will get P150,000 each, while those wounded will get P50,000.

Castro said the President was deeply saddened by the tragedy, especially since young students were the victims of violence.

According to Castro, President Marcos also paid tribute to the heroism of the students who sacrificed their lives to save their classmates.

Financial relief

Castro said the cash aid was in addition to assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Following the incident, she said the DepEd has strengthened the implementation of school safety measures, including installing metal detectors and CCTV cameras, and enhancing coordination with parents and barangay officials.

The President also acknowledged the appeal of the families of the victims that the minor suspects should not merely remain under the custody of the DSWD.

Castro added that the Marcos Administration assured the victims’ families that justice would be served.