Authorities conduct stress debriefing for students affected by clashes

Masbate map. INQUIRER FILES

MASBATE CITY — Some 100 of the 715 students at a secondary school in Cawayan town in Masbate province initially impacted by armed encounters between the military and New People’s Army (NPA) had psycho-social and debriefing sessions on Tuesday, March 28.

After a week of conflict between the Philippine Army and NPA in the area, the affected individuals were given psychological intervention and counseling to help them cope with the harrowing experience.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol, Masbate provincial government, and Philippine Army conducted the activity for teachers and students of Villahermosa National High School, as well as residents of the Villahermosa village in Cawayan town.

The activity was joined by the Regional Medical and Dental Unit 5 (RMDU5) led by Police Lieutenant Ventura Soriano, psychologist police commissioned officer (PCO), together with personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5 (RMFB5), Masbate police, and the 903rd Infantry Brigade.

Free haircuts, school supplies, slippers, and food packs were also given out.

Meanwhile, the suspension of in-person classes in both private and public schools in Cawayan remains in effect as of Wednesday, March 29. Classes were suspended after the first encounter occurred on March 20 in Villahermosa village where Cpl. Antonio Parreño Jr. of the 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) of the Philippine Army died.

According to Cawayan Mayor Edgar Condor, classes will only resume once the PNP has completed its security operations to ensure the safety of residents. FRANSHEY MAE DRIO, CONTRIBUTOR

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