Kin of slain villagers in Mamasapano clashes get cash

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - The families of the four villagers killed in the January 25 encounter between policemen and Moro rebels in Mamasapano town on Wednesday received cash assistance from Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao and provincial governor Esmael Mangudadatu.

Pacquiao and Mangudadatu jointly donated more than P150,000 cash to the families of the victims.

The grants from long-time friends Pacquiao and Mangudadatu were turned over by the governor’s chief budget aide, Lynette Estandarte, to the families of the slain villagers during a meeting Wednesday in Mamasapano town in the second district of Maguindanao.

The victims, six-year-old Sarah Pananggulong, farmers Badrudin Langalan, Mushib Hashim and Mohammad Ambilang, died from gunshot wounds after being caught in the crossfire that ensued between members of the police’s Special Action Force and guerillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The intense gunbattle lasted for about 10 hours in three barangays in Mamasapano last January 25.

Pananggulong's father, Tot, was wounded in the incident.

The earnest money raised by Pacquiao and Mangudadatu also benefited five other innocent villagers who were wounded in the encounter.

Mangudadatu is concurrent chairman of the inter-agency Maguindanao peace and order council.

The cash assistance for the family of Ambilang was received personally by his widowed pregnant spouse, Saadah.

Mangudadatu said Pacquiao immediately offered cash assistance for the victims after learning of their plight.

“We are thankful to Congressman Pacquiao for extending assistance to these poor people,” Mangudadatu said.