* Condoles with grieving families By Ivy Tejano
– Vice President Sara Duterte took time out from distributing relief goods to quake victims in SOCSARGEN to visit the wake of the three students killed in a school shooting incident in Tacloban City Wednesday, to extend her condolences and prayers to their grieving families.
During her visit, the Vice President assured the families that authorities would pursue justice for the victims of what has been described as one of the deadliest cases of school violence in the country in recent years.
Earlier, the parents of one of the victims, identified as Fabian, had reportedly requested a phone conversation with the Vice President. Instead, they were surprised when VP Sara showed up personally to attend the wake of their son.
Chris Lorenz Fabian was among the three students killed in the shooting carried out by a 15-year-old and a 14-year-old Grade 9 student. At least 20 other students were injured in the incident.
Also visiting the victims’ families was Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who provided financial and burial assistance.
Gatchalian assured the families that the minors involved in the shooting, who are classified as children in conflict with the law, are currently under the custody of the DSWD.
According to the official, the agency has deployed social workers to hospitals and to the families of the victims to provide assistance and support.
The DSWD chief explained that the minors may still face legal consequences after undergoing intervention programs and assessments by social workers and child psychologists.
He said if the minors fail to show remorse and restorative justice efforts are unsuccessful, they may eventually be transferred to regular penal facilities.
Gatchalian also pointed to possible negligence on the part of parents who failed to properly secure firearms in their homes, which may have allowed children access to the weapons used in the attack.
Later in the day, Duterte addressed Lanao del Norte residents during the 60th Araw ng Nunungan celebration, urging Filipinos not to lose hope despite the challenges facing the country.
The Vice President acknowledged that many Filipinos have become frustrated with conditions in government and society, leading some to consider seeking opportunities abroad.
However, she encouraged citizens to remain hopeful and work toward a better future for the next generation, stressing the importance of refusing to accept disorder and poverty as permanent realities.
Duterte said the country’s future depends on Filipinos, particularly older generations, thinking about the kind of nation they will leave to their children.
