Noy checks assistance to SAF 44 families

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino sat yesterday for the second time with families of the Special Action Force (SAF) commandos killed on a mission to arrest bombers affiliated with the international terror group Jemaah Islamiyah.

The President went to Camp  Crame last night  find out whether the needs of the immediate families of the slain SAF men were properly addressed.

Assisted by several Cabinet secretaries, Aquino moved from one table to another and talked to each family of the SAF 44 during the PNP Welfare Services for beneficiaries of slain policemen.

During the same event, The Philippine STAR turned over to the families the P2.8 million raised from its fund drive.

The Philippine STAR, led its president and CEO Miguel Belmonte, initiated the fund drive in recognition of the sacrifice made by the SAF commandos while on a mission to arrest bombers Malaysian Zukifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman.

“We want to do our share to help the families of our fallen SAF men. Many of them left behind young children who will need financial assistance even for their most basic needs. These heroes gave their lives fighting for our security,” Belmonte said.

“The fact that we sleep soundly at night in the safety of our homes we owe to them. To help take care of their family’s future is the least we can do. We salute their courage and thank them for their sacrifice.”

Emie Cruz of the STAR Operation Damayan, said no words can express how The STAR family appreciated the sacrifices done by the 44 SAF heroes.

“Acceptance, forgiveness, moving forward, and moving forward without forgetting what they (SAF) have done,” Cruz added.

Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority (NHA) will award free house and lot units to the families of the 44 SAF commandos.

NHA general manager Froilan Campitan said the decision to award the housing units was made by the NHA board on Feb. 6. and was expanded to SAF men wounded in the Mamasapano clash.

On the other hand, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao gave words of encouragement to SAF survivors when he visited them yesterday at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

“I told them they are still alive and they are blessed by God,” said Pacquiao as he came out of the hospital.

Pacquiao also welcomed the investigation being conducted by the Board of Inquiry, saying there must be due process as provided for under the law.

Asked about his comment in the pending Bangsamoro Basic Law, Pacquiao said he is for peace “and everything should be studied first.” – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Mike Firalde