DSWD vows to institute better mechanisms to ensure safety, interest of personnel
Following the death of its employee, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday, Feb. 23, vowed that it will institute better mechanisms that would further ensure the safety and protection of its personnel.
DSWD issued this statement following the death Justine Charles Accad, an employee of the DSWD-Field Office National Capital Region (FO-NCR).
Accad went missing on Feb. 19 and was found lifeless in Bulacan two days after.
Pending the investigation, DSWD also allayed the fears of agency personnel - especially the disbursing officers - and assured 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,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Department - through FO-NCR - assured the bereaved family that it is “ready to extend assistance to help them cope with their situation.”
Currently, DSWD said that the FO is processing the burial and financial assistance for the family as well as transportation assistance for Accad’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 added.
Likewise, DSWD is also coordinating with the proper authorities for the investigation of the case.
Based on the reports, Accad, 30, was last seen on Friday morning, Feb. 19, in Marikina City. He was reportedly heading to San Juan City Hall as part of his duties when he went missing.
Accad’s pregnant live-in partner Jessa Muncada, who is also a DSWD employee, reported him missing to the Marikina City Police and sought the public’s help to find him.
According to the police report, Accad was found dead stuffed in a sack in a grassy lot in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 21.