Cebu war veterans start receiving aid from US

CEBU, Philippines - Following the statement of US Ambassador Kristie Kennedy that US veteran officials will find and go to sick and aging World War II veterans anywhere in the country, the representative of the United States Veterans Administration arrived in Cebu yesterday to distribute benefits of veterans here.

Each Filipino veteran residing in the Philippines will receive $9,000 while those residing in America will receive $15,000 dollars.

The $198-million compensation package for World War II veterans who fought under the American flag against the Japanese forces is part of the stimulus law US President Barack Obama signed recently.

Veterans receiving the benefits include those who were members of the States Army Forces in the Far East and Philippine scouts who were enlisted prior to July 1, 1946.

Verification and interview of veterans commenced yesterday at the covered court of the Central Command and will run until February 27. Veterans that are yet to undergo verification are advised to bring identification cards and personal service records.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, 873 veterans have registered and 76 have been processed. The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office is also assisting in the processing.

Major General Armando Cunanan has directed 20 Central Command personnel and two medical teams to assist the veterans. Most claimants are already above 80 years old.

At least 1,000 WWII veterans are expected to claim their benefits in Central Visayas alone.

The benefit under the stimulus law does not affect the other benefits the veterans have received. – Christopher Gabriel Bonjoc/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)