"Ati" orphans now in social workers' care

CEBU, Philippines - The City Social Welfare and Development office in the City of Naga has assured that the children of an “Ati” couple murdered in Barangay South Poblacion are in a safe place and in good condition.

Social welfare officer Delia Tibay said the four orphans were taken by them from their grandparents for security reason and to give them the needed psychosocial intervention from the government.

Tibay said the children are now housed in an undisclosed facility where they will undergo stress debriefing. Tibay said they are presuming that the lives of the children are in danger because two of them have witnessed how their parents were murdered.

The unidentified gunman killed Junjie Alberto, 30, and his live-in partner Marjilly Sanger, 28, in front of their children in Barangay South Poblacion last Sunday morning.

Tibay said the children are already doing fine and are slowly recovering from the traumatic experience of losing their parents.

The city government is providing all the basic needs of the children. They have also received P27,500 financial assistance from the local government.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador is confident that they will be able to solve the case soon.

He refused to give details when asked about their investigation and whether or not they have already identified the gunman. Comendador however assured that they will be able to arrest the culprit soon.

He believes that the gunman may have a backup waiting on a motorcycle which was used a getaway vehicle of the culprit.  (FREEMAN)