Kin of 9/11 victim’s kids ask for GMA help

LAOAG CITY — Relatives and friends of native son Cesar Gabriel have closed ranks to pray for his success in his legal battles in New York to gain custody of his two daughters by his wife who died in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center a year ago.

"I appeal to President Arroyo not to forsake my brother," said Gabriel’s sister, Fely Barot. "Here is one Filipino fighting alone for justice in a strange land."

In yesterday’s "waksi" or first death anniversary of Benilda Domingo, Gabriel’s close friend Jun Ullegue said the Gabriel girls stand to receive up to $100,000 each as compensation on top of free educational benefits until college.

"They are also entitled to monthly living allowances," Ullegue, who acts as the group’s spokesman, added.

It was learned that the financial windfall –in insurance and US government compensation –accrued to all dependents of victims of the New York tragedy.

"But what is important for Cesar is to get Yvonne and L.A. back to his fold and live back together," he said.

Yvonne, 8, and Lucky Angel (L.A.), 5, are two of three children of Cesar and Benilda. The eldest, 15-year-old Daryl, is staying with his father, who is now in the United States trying to win back custody of his daughters before his visa expires.

Ullegue said that in the effort to gain back custody of the girls, the girls’ foster parents Melita Domingo-Carr, who is Benilda’s sister, and husband Brendan Carr have discredited Cesar in their court appearances.

Cesar reportedly called long-distance Tuesday telling his folks that he was pictured as irresponsible and cruel to his children.

The two kids also appeared to have been brainwashed by the Carrs, Cesar also told his supporters in Barangay Sta. Maria here.

Fely reiterated her brother’s desperate call for Philippine government authorities to come to his aid, at the very least help get his visa extended in what could be a protracted quest for justice.