DepEd to send psychological aid after Zamboanga school shooting

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday said it is now coordinating with its mental health partners to provide psychological first aid and psychosocial support to individuals affected by the shooting incident in a Zamboanga City school.

In a statement, DepEd expressed grave concern over the incident earlier in the day, which resulted in the death of two students, including the shooter.

"We are also coordinating with mental health partners to provide Psychological First Aid and psychosocial support to those affected," it said.

“We urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and sharing sensitive photos, videos, or details about the incident, especially since minors are involved,” it added.

Earlier, City Mayor Khymer Olaso reported that two students died following the incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

For its part, the university said it was “saddened by the incident” and declared Wednesday as a day of mourning and prayer.

“DepEd stands with the Ateneo de Zamboanga community during this difficult time and is ready to extend whatever support and assistance we can to the affected learners, families, school personnel, and concerned authorities,” DepEd said.

Local authorities and the university are now coordinating with each other, saying they will provide more information once it is available.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) said it was still gathering information about the incident, but Health Secretary Edwin Mercado ordered the deployment of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services teams to the school.

“We are ready to provide professionals to support the processing and healing of those involved, as well as assistance with medical expenses,” the DOH said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also expressed its willingness to provide psychosocial support to affected students.

“Although the Ateneo de Zamboanga University was still under lockdown earlier, our social workers were ready to provide psychosocial intervention. Mental wellness first aid is important,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said. —AOL/MCG, GMA News