Social workers assisting kin of plane crash victims

 The Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 and the Social Welfare Office of Lapu-Lapu City recently sent social workers to Benito Ebuen Airbase to assist relatives of the victims of the ill-fated Philippine Air Force C–130 plane.

PAF C-130 burst into fire then crashed into the seawaters off Samal Island in Davao, killing nine crewmen and two Army soldiers.

Eight of the crewmen were based in Benito Ebuen Airbase where their families also live.

Social workers conducted initial assessment to determine what form of assistance should be given by the government.

At least seven wives and other dependents of the crew undergone defusion process conducted by DSWD-7 to help for their psychological recovery from the tragedy.

The defusion process allowed relatives in expressing their feelings to cope with depression and eventually attain healing in time.

Support from other family members, friends and the PAF staff also helped relatives relieve the stressful condition of the families of the victims.

Earlier, debriefing sessions were also held for the relatives to prepare them on the possible outcome of the search and rescue operations.

The Critical Incidence Stress Debriefing administered by DSWD to victims and survivors of tragedy is a psychological intervention to people who experience trauma.

Last Monday, body parts of the victims who were based in Benito Ebuen Airbase were already brought back to Cebu.

According to DSWD-7, the Lapu-Lapu City SWO pledged to give financial assistance to the families.

Relatives will also receive financial assistance from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo aside from the money they will get from PAF and other benefits provided by the law. – Jessica Ann Pareja/LPM