Cebuano SAF widows get P20T from Pag-IBIG

CEBU, Philippines - The widows of the two Cebuano policemen who were among the 44 elite commandos of the Special Action Force killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao yesterday received P20,000 each financial assistance from Pag-IBIG Fund.

The check was turned over by Pag-IBIG Cebu officials to Michelle Candano and Christine Cempron in the presence of Vice President Jejomar Binay at the J Center Mall in Mandaue City.

Binay was in Cebu to stand as sponsor in the mass wedding organized by Pag-IBIG Fund.

Michelle and Christine were the widows of PO1 Windel Candano and PO1 Romeo Cempron, respectively.

Christine said that Binay assured them of more supports to come. Binay, who chairs the National Housing Authority, allegedly offered housing assistance to the two widows.

In fact, a representative from the NHA has allegedly called them yesterday morning to announce the assistance. Christine said they were given three options to avail of the assistance.

According to Christine, the first option is for them to have a house and lot; second they can avail of house improvement if they already own a house; and the third is to get another house and lot with financial assistance.

 “It’s up to us to choose what we prefer,” Christine said.

She said they will coordinate with the NHA for clarifications and advice to avoid any mistakes.

Meanwhile, Binay said he is praying for President Benigno Aquino III amidst the debacle that his administration is facing over the Maguindanao incident.

“I am praying hard so that the President can solve this problem the sooner,” Binay said.

Binay said he is hoping that the country will have a lasting peace and justice will be served to those who were killed during the operation to get international terrorist Sulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan and Basit Usman.

Binay also hopes that the suspension of the deliberation of the Bangsamoro Basic Law will be reviewed.

The vice president hopes that an independent committee will be formed to investigate the Mamasapano incident instead of having too many bodies investigating it.

 “Dami-dami na kasing nag imbistiga. Sana magkaroon ng independent commission para walang suspetsa. Kasi ngayon makikita mo, may hinaharangan, ayaw palabasin kung ano yong katotohanan,” said Binay.

Despite the mounting calls for an “all out war”, Binay said he is not supporting it.

“I am hoping and praying for lasting peace. Sa giyera, may mamamatay. It must be peace with justice, sa tama lamang. Yung magiging kasunduan in consonance with our law particularly the Constitution,” Binay said.   (FREEMAN)