Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao confirms that Alias Nash, a 14-year-old gunman in Tacloban school shooting is currently under an intervention program through Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY). While staying at the RRCY, he will be given rehabilitative and therapeutic activities monitored by the assigned case worker. 

Nash’s current condition inside RRCY

Asec. Dumlao also described the current condition of Nash inside his room.

“Siya po ay binabantayan ng ating mga case worker. Mayroon din pong pulis na nakabantay sa labas po ng kanyang kwarto. By the way, yung kanyang kwarto ay mayroon siyang sariling kama doon, may sariling palikuran, may sariling ceiling fan. Gayundin po, siya ay hindi nakikipag-interact doon sa iba pong mga residente ng RRCY,” she said

She added that there is no cellphone and television in his room. He has no one to talk to, and he only performs the activities assigned to him by the case worker. Currently, only the case workers, psychologists, and other members of the multidisciplinary team are authorized to talk with the minor. According to Asec. Dumlao, he will eventually be allowed to interact with other RRCY residents once the authorities complete the necessary actions. 

“Magkakaroon 'yan ng interaction doon sa ibang mga bata, pero pini-prepare 'yan. It's a process kasi, so hindi biglaan; it's a gradual process depende rin doon sa magiging resulta no'n pong assessment,” she said

Intervention towards rehabilitation and reintegration

The intervention aims to rehabilitate and prepare the minor for reintegration once qualified to return to his hometown, says Dumlao.

“All of these activities are meant to rehabilitate and eventually lead to the reintegration of the individual, of the CICL to the community,” she said

Alias Nash may stay at the RRCY for a year, but the duration may change depending on the assessment of the case worker.

“Nakalagay po doon sa ating guidelines na pwedeng isang taon doon siya mananatili sa RRCY. However, depende po iyon doon sa assessment nung social worker, nung case worker. Kasi kung makita na wala namang pagbabago, hindi naman nare-rehabilitate for a year already, maaaring manatili pa siya doon sa RRCY hanggang sa sabihin nating mag-age out na siya,” she said

She noted that the minor must exhibit behavioral changes in accordance with the program’s objectives.

“Ang mahalaga kasi dito makita, ma-assess ng case worker na merong pagbabago dun sa behavior, dun sa pag-iisip because what we're pursuing is yung ngang mabago, ma-rehabilitate yun pong CICL,” she added

If Nash exhibits behavioral progress, he will be placed under the After Care Service. 

“Halimbawa, na-observe talaga based on the tools used by our social worker na nagkaroon ng pagbabago sa behavior. Nagsisi siya doon sa kanya pong mga naging previous actions. Dadalhin na siya sa LGU for after care,” she said

“Iyong After Care Service naman ay magli-lead towards the reintegration, kumbaga babalik na siya doon sa community,” she added

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