Tacloban: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has assured continued assistance to the victims of the recent shooting incident inside the campus of San Jose National High School in this city.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian, during his visit on Wednesday, stated that the DSWD will provide not only financial assistance but also psychosocial interventions for affected students, teachers, and parents. "We deployed social workers to assist each victim and help them cope with the experience through trauma counseling," Gatchalian told reporters after visiting the wake of Chriz Lorenz Fabian in Barangay 83-B Cogon, San Jose District. The DSWD chief also visited the wakes of fellow victims Joyancee Separa and Nicole Dazo.

A day after the incident, the DSWD provided PHP10,000 in initial financial assistance to each of the three bereaved families. On Tuesday night, the agency announced an additional PHP150,000 in assistance for each family. The DSWD also provided cash assistance to students injured in the shooting, which left 20 students injured.

"President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the DSWD to ensure that victims and their families receive the necessary assistance and support during this difficult period of mourning," Gatchalian said. The DSWD secretary also visited a hospital in Tacloban City to personally check on and assess the condition of victims still receiving medical care following the shooting.

In addition, Gatchalian visited San Jose National High School to assess the campus situation following Monday's tragedy. He coordinated with school officials and relevant authorities to ensure an appropriate and effective response to the incident.