The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured continued assistance, including support for medication and therapy, to “Mak-mak,” the person on the autism spectrum who was assaulted inside a public utility bus in a viral incident along Buendia Avenue in Makati City.

“Nakatutok ang Central Office dito. Direktiba ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian na bantayan, i-proseso, at bigyan ng karampatang serbisyo [ang biktima],” said Director Edwin Morata of the DSWD Protective Services Bureau-Crisis Intervention Unit (PSB-CIU) during the agency’s Thursday Media Forum.

Mak-mak underwent psychological evaluation and assessment at the DSWD Central Office on Thursday to determine further interventions. The victim and his family have already received initial cash assistance from the agency’s Field Office in Central Luzon.

Morata said additional help will be provided through the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, which covers therapy sessions, necessary medications, and other forms of psychosocial support.

“Maaaring pumasok as to the provision of assistance through AICS para sa therapy or kung kailangan ng gamot, we’ll be covering it,” he said.

Mak-mak’s legal counsel, Atty. Angelo De Alban, said they are preparing to file charges under Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, noting that persons with intellectual disabilities are legally protected under the law.

Charges will be filed against three identified suspects, while two others are still being traced. The victim’s family said Mak-mak has been traumatized and is now afraid to ride buses.

The DSWD reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, especially persons with disabilities, and called on the public to stand against abuse and discrimination.