WPD retirees launch fund drive

"Manila police retirees should get the widest benefits in their twilight years for they served the country during the best years of their lives."

Toward this end, the newly elected board of directors of Manila’s Finest Retirees Association, Inc. (MFRAI) lined up a series of fund-raising activities for the benefit of their aging members.

According to MFRAI president Col. Felicisimo Lazaro, the fund-raising is meant to improve the financial capability of the association to grant additional economic benefits and improve the welfare of every member.

"Our policemen retirees are a pitiful bunch," commented MFRAI vice president Maj. Pete Angulo."Imagine, a police retiree receives only a retirement pay of P2,000 a month, which is a measly sum considering the present cost of living."

City Ordinance 7989 granted additional retirement benefits of P100,000 to retired original Manila policemen. Partial payments of P5,000 were recently given to the retirees by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, who pledged to give the remaining balance, even on installment basis, during his term.

The Western Police District (WPD)’s welfare fund and the MFRAI’s new board of directors, elected last May 12 for a term of two years, appropriated P576,000 for the legal heirs of their qualified deceased members.

Retired Gen. Totoy Diokno, who served as Manila police chief, is making official representation with Atienza to assign rooms at the Ospital ng Maynila for the exclusive use of sick Manila police retirees.

"We will tap non-government organizations and big businesses in our fund-raising. Several have already expressed their support," Angulo said.

The MFRAI is the first police retirees organization in the country. It was organized in 1983 with only 50 members. It now has 1,000 members.

Other members of the board are Maj. Tim Sta. Romana, Lt. Leonie Gamboa, Sgt. Jimmy Fajardo, Col. Sammy Aquino, Col. Boy Cabasal, Lt. Rody Marte, Col. Honor Laurel and Col. Jovy Torres.

WPD director Senior Superintendent Nicolas Pacinos assured the retirees of financial and moral support. He also encouraged retirees to take active parts in the moral recovery programs of the WPD personnel. – Nestor Etolle