The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Field Office Caraga, continues to reach out to the bereaved family of the 17 year-old child-beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte who was allegedly raped and murdered on July 26, 2019.

The Department immediately responded through the provision of food packs and burial and financial assistance of P5,000 and P10,000, respectively, through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). 

Likewise, DSWD social workers were sent to conduct counseling to the families of the victim and to one of the alleged child-perpetrators, who is also a 4Ps beneficiary.  The Field Office will continue to monitor both families to determine additional appropriate interventions for them.

 While DSWD is reaching out to the family, the local government unit (LGU) of Buenavista, as the primary service provider for its constituents based on the Local Government Code of 1991, has provided its own assistance and appropriate interventions. These include the P10,000 burial assistance given to the bereaved family.

At present, the Field Office continues to work closely with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and the local police on the case.

The Department is saddened by this incident and extends its condolences to the bereaved family. -30-