P2.4M for 19 AFP battle casualties

CEBU, Philippines - Nineteen battle casualties of the Central Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, will be awarded today a total of P2.4 million in benefits from President Benigno Aquino III.

CentCom spokesman Lt. Col. Christopher Tampus said the event, which will be held at 10 a.m. today at the Marco Polo Plaza, is in recognition of the soldiers’ heroic deeds.

The Special Financial Assistance to be received by the beneficiaries of the AFP’s personnel killed or wounded in action comes from the President’s Social Fund.

Brigadier Gen. Alejandro Estomo, CentCom’s Deputy Commander, will hand over the financial assistance to the beneficiaries to be assisted by Col. Alden Juan Masagca, Senior Military Assistant to the Office of Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs.

The beneficiaries of those killed in combat operations, who are mostly the surviving spouses or mothers, will receive the Special Financial Assistance of P250,000.

Killed in action were Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary members Renato Baragenio and Resituto Aniban, corporals Alexander Bayugo and Douglas Jumagdao and privates first class Eugene Daquil and Jonathan Sibay.

The beneficiaries for those seriously injured will receive P100,000 while P50,000 will be given to those who sustained only minor injuries.

To receive the amount of P100,000 are 2nd Lt. Philip Muyco, Cpl. Rolly Casipe and privates first class Santiago Vallite, Jerry Gabutan and Melvin Buctot.

Sergeant Henry Rosal and privates first class Arman Andilab, Howel Villa, Danger Paler, Randy Bernate, Edgar Igdalino, Normie Llorente and Rex Velasco, meanwhile, receive P50,000 each.

The combat operations against communist insurgents happened in the provinces of Samar, Northern Samar, Capiz, Iloilo, Nueva Ecija, Lanao del Sur and Negros Occidental in 2009. – (FREEMAN)