Tacloban city: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday visited the wake of three students who perished in the school shooting incident in Tacloban City, Leyte. Gatchalian, sent by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., emphasized the nation's collective shock and expressed his commitment to support the bereaved families and ensure justice is served.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian spoke to local media during his visit to the homes of the three slain minors, highlighting the immediate deployment of social workers to assist the affected families. He affirmed that the DSWD will remain involved until the end. During his visit to the wake of Chris Lorenz Fabian, a student who heroically blocked one of the suspects from entering their classroom, Gatchalian assured the family that the suspects are in DSWD custody, following legal protocols to prevent their return to the community.

Gatchalian pledged that the DSWD will provide funeral assistance and sustained psychosocial interventions for the families affected. The department's Field Office 8, Eastern Visayas region, has already extended psychosocial support to all affected individuals, including students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel. Financial assistance was also provided to families of those who were slain and individuals admitted to hospitals.

Gatchalian urged the public to act responsibly by not resharing videos and photos of the incident, as these can retraumatize affected individuals. He encouraged discussions within the general public to help the families heal through responsible actions.

Following his visit to the wake, Gatchalian proceeded to several hospitals to visit students who sustained injuries. He also plans to meet with the Juvenile Justice Welfare Council and other entities for a multidisciplinary meeting to discuss the case management of the minors involved in the shooting incident.