(UPDATE) The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will extend assistance to a person with autism who was physically abused on a bus last week.
A video showing the assault went viral on social media.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian ordered the agency’s Field Office 3 (Central Luzon) to attend to the victim who lived in San Jose del Monte City (SJDM) in Bulacan to assess his condition and determine what particular treatment would be given to him.
The 25-year-old, said to have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), was caught on video being assaulted on a bus plying EDSA on June 9.
As defined by the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, ASD is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain, and people with malady often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests.
DSWD spokesman Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said a social worker initially assisted the victim, who underwent a medical checkup at the Grace Medical Center in SJDM.
She told The Manila Times that the DSWD is coordinating with SJDM Mayor Arthur Robes for other possible interventions.
“We are looking into the possibility of referring the victim’s family for psychosocial support under the Wireless Mental Health and Psychosocial Support or WiSupport program and the provision of financial assistance,” Dumlao said.
The WiSupport program provides holistic services to clients in crisis, who may also be under extreme stress and experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health issues.
The DSWD will also prioritize the victim’s therapy, which was discontinued due to his family’s financial difficulties.
“During the home visitation, we also found out that the main source of his family’s livelihood is selling corn. This is not enough to support the victim’s therapy. We are now facilitating referral services to medical institutions or partner service providers to help the victim to continue his sessions,” the DSWD official pointed out.
Although the victim’s welfare is the priority, Dumlao said the DSWD would also explore how to provide assistance to the family relative in the filing of a criminal case against those who attacked him inside the bus.
Under Republic Act 9442 (also known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons) acts of mockery, discrimination, or vilification against persons with disabilities is prohibited. Violators face penalties including fines and imprisonment.