Palace bares SAF44 aid package

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang announced yesterday an updated package of assistance for the families of the 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (SAF) operatives killed in an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25.

The package will cover employment, education, livelihood, health and housing, among other government benefits.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said over radio dzRB the families of the slain troopers shared with President Aquino their requests for assistance when they met after the necrological service at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on Jan. 30.

Upon the President’s orders, Lacierda said all available mechanisms of the national government were directed to ensure the well-being of the families.

Lacierda said aside from the direct monetary assistance coming from the President’s Social Fund (PSF) that was given to the families last Jan. 30, the national government would continue to extend support in other forms to the bereaved families.

On employment, Lacierda said the Department of Labor and Employment would seek to match the skills of working-age individuals of family members with available jobs.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has also offered the families skills training programs.

Lacierda said agencies that could provide jobs for members of the SAF troopers’ families had been in touch with them, and in some cases already provided employment.

“The government is also reaching out to the private sector to recommend the employment of relatives of the SAF troopers,” he added.

Lacierda said the National Police Commission has an existing scholarship program that would provide grants for the children of the SAF troopers.

For those who are in college or are of college age, the Commission on Higher Education will provide assistance.

Furthermore, the Office of the Executive Secretary will come up with a mechanism to provide assistance to dependents not covered by Napolcom or CHED.

On livelihood assistance, he said the Department of Social Welfare and Development had been speaking with families to determine the best path for them.

The Department of Trade and Industry has also been involved, studying the respective areas of residence of the families to see which businesses are feasible, Lacierda said.

He said the Department of Health has been conducting diagnostic procedures on those who requested medical assistance, while the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. is  discussing the best way to ensure the dependents’ continued membership.

He added the government had been following through on specific requests from the SAF troopers’ families, whether it was processing Social Security System benefits, providing farming and fishing equipment, or facilitating the transfer requests of relatives also in the uniformed service.

The National Housing Authority is also assessing the families’ housing needs, Lacierda said.

‘Show love for country’

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Armin Luistro urged students to “show your love for our country.”

In his Valentine’s Day message, which paid tribute to the slain SAF members at the Commonwealth High School, Luistro told students to look up to the people who have sacrificed their lives for the nation.

The Quezon City council, led by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, has also extended support to the families of the SAF troopers.

During a meeting with relatives of the slain policemen at Camp Bagong Diwa on Thursday, Belmonte said Quezon City joins the  country in seeking answers to questions still hounding the fatal operation.

The vice mayor and members of the city council personally delivered a copy of a recently-approved city council resolution commending the Fallen 44 “for their courage and dedication displayed during the Mamasapano clash.” – With Janvic Mateo