The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)  condoled with the family of Justine Charles Accad, an  employee of the DSWD-Field Office National Capital Region (FO-NCR) who went missing on February 19 and found dead two days later in Bulacan.

The Department, through FO-NCR, assured the bereaved family that it is ready to extend assistance to help them cope with their situation. To date, the FO is processing the burial and financial assistance for the family as well as transportation assistance for Justine’s mother who will be travelling from Zamboanga City to Manila. The FO vowed to continue to help the family as they go through this difficult period.

The Department is also currently coordinating with the proper authorities for the investigation of the case.

Pending the investigation, the Department allayed the fears of agency personnel, especially the disbursing officers, assuring them that it continues to put a premium on their safety and interest.

The DSWD recognizes the efforts of field workers to deliver the necessary assistance to program beneficiaries despite the many threats to their health and safety,  thus, the Department vows to institute better mechanisms to ensure their protection and to prevent the repeat of similar incidents. ###