MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development confirmed Friday that it has gotten hold of bus driver Alberto Lubang who was among the survivors of last Monday's bus siege in Rizal Park.
Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman said Lubang is already undergoing stress debriefing after the trauma inflicted by the hostage crisis.
She noted that victims of violence need professional attention in order to ease the trauma inflicted by the incident. She added all survivors of Monday's hostage-taking incident may need up to a year to recover.
Soliman said the police interrogation of the bus driver is not helping the situation. Lubang previously complained that he was questioned so many times by a number of people and was only able to go home after almost a day since the incident.
He was interviewed by the media Tuesday but went into hiding Wednesday morning.
Soliman also questioned Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim's announcement that Lubang should undergo investigation for possible complicity in the hostage crisis. Lim earlier said the bus driver should be probed due to doubts on his escape.
The DSWD meanwhile is still trying to track down the whereabouts of the two other Pinoy survivors.
Soliman said there should be a review of police procedures and handling of hostage victims. She is set to meet with the President this afternoon to discuss the matter.
President Aquino is also designing an assistance package for the survivors and victims of the tragedy.
Soliman said even the Hong Kong tourists who were affected in Monday's hostage-taking incident can claim for financial assistance from the Philippine government.
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