Gov’t vows ‘justice on all fronts’

MANILA, Philippines - The government is committed to pursuing “justice on all fronts,” Malacañang said yesterday amid the deaths of Marines and police commandos  in bandit attacks.

President Aquino yesterday visited the wake of the seven Marines killed in last Saturday’s clashes with the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul, Sulu.

Omega-rich: President Aquino visits the wake of the seven Marines killed in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf. WILLY PEREZ

Aquino, in his visit to the Philippine Marines’ headquarters at Fort Bonifacio, announced his approval of the release of a P250,000 cash benefit for each of the families of the soldiers.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino “authorized the release of P250,000 each to the bereaved families, as well as P50,000 each to the wounded, from the Presidential Social Fund.”

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is making certain that full benefits are received by those entitled, including pensions, college scholarships, and cash assistance from military financial institutions,” Valte said in a statement.

“The administration joins the country in mourning the passing of the seven men who gave their lives to build a safer and more peaceful Philippines. As we mourn, we vow to pursue justice on all fronts, as this is integral to achieving our ultimate goal of winning the peace.”

“The challenge of building a Philippines that is truly prosperous and secure remains, and we will do everything in our power to meet it, recognizing that it is the greatest tribute we can offer to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Valte added.

The seven fallen soldiers were 2Lt. Alfredo Lorin VI, and Privates First Class Jay Alasian, Jayson Durante, Andres Bogwana, Rene Gare, Roxan Pizarro and Dominador Sabejon Jr.

The seven were among the troops that figured in a clash with a group of Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Patikul last Saturday.

They were on a mission to track down the group suspected of kidnapping Criselda Marcos Villaraza, wife of a non-commissioned Marine officer assigned in Sulu.

Villaraza, a medical technologist of the Sulu Provincial Hospital, was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf last May 18 and freed unharmed two days later, the military said. – With Roel Pareño, Cecille Suerte Felipe