STAR fund drive for SAF hits P1.3 M

MANILA, Philippines - New donations amounting to P350,000 poured in for The Philippine STAR’s ongoing fund-raising effort for the families of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos who died in battle in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Received were the following: P100,000 from KGB; P50,000 from K.L.; P44,000 from RGS; P13,000 from STAR editors; P5,008.50 from James Royce Galang; P5,000 from Belen Amurao; and P133,200 from various anonymous donors, including a single benefactor who deposited P100,000 to the fund but chose to remain anonymous.

With donations sent in thus far, the #SaluteToThe44 fund drive has now reached P1.3 million, which means almost P30,000 to be handed to each family.

The STAR announced its fund drive for the fallen SAF heroes last Saturday as a tribute to the men who lost their lives in an unfortunate encounter between government forces and rebels.

“Many of them left behind young children who will need financial assistance even for their most basic needs. These heroes gave their lives fighting for our security. To help take care of their family’s future is the least we can do. We salute their courage and thank them for their sacrifice,” said STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte.

Belmonte said Operation Damayan, the social arm of The STAR Media Group, will be accepting donations only until this week so immediate assistance can be given to the families of the SAF casualties.

Operation Damayan head Emie Cruz has touched base with PNP Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. for the list of legal beneficiaries of the SAF men.

Interested donors may continue to send in their contributions to #SaluteToThe44 through The Philippine STAR Operation Damayan savings account no. 151-7-15152422-9, Metrobank Aduana branch. Deposits may be confirmed via tel. no. 336-9598, email [email protected], or fax no. 527-6857.