DSWD to craft special intervention plan for Tacloban teen suspects

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Thursday it will develop a comprehensive intervention plan to address the behavioral and social needs of the two minors involved in the fatal shooting in Tacloban City, Leyte.

"Right now, the interventions being provided to them are what's in our textbook, meaning we are only following what is prescribed. But because this case is different, we will treat them differently in the sense that they will require more intensive and more serious interventions," DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian told reporters.

"We will wait for the full psychological report because that will serve as the basis for the intervention plan that we will prepare," he added.

The 15-year-old and 14-year-old children in conflict with the law (CICLs) are currently under the custody of the DSWD's Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY).

Gatchalian stressed that the two CICLs are being housed separately and are not part of the facility's general population.

"They are separated. They cannot talk to each other, and they are also not included in the general population because child psychologists and other experts have told us that they need to be kept apart. It is for their own well-being and for the well-being of the other clients in the facility," the DSWD chief said.

The agency also reiterated that both CICLs are under the care of child psychologists, social workers, and houseparents who are closely monitoring their condition.

Initial assessments found that multiple risk factors may have contributed to the minors' alleged involvement in the crime.

"As I said during the Senate hearing, many of these children are exposed to multiple risk factors. Some, as I mentioned, include exposure to online violence and school bullying. It is not just one risk factor—it is multidimensional," Gatchalian said.

"In this case, we are also conducting a family assessment to determine whether these children were neglected, or whether there was an angle of neglect or abuse. We are looking into those possibilities carefully. And definitely, if we find any shortcomings, or if we uncover evidence of abuse or neglect, the parents will also be held accountable," he added.