Kin of dead soldiers in 'Pablo' rescue to get aid

MANILA, Philippines - The families of soldiers who died while conducting rescue operations in areas hit by typhoon “Pablo” will receive about P500,000 worth of assistance.

Col. Leandro Loyao III, Army Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, said the amount includes the P250,000 special assistance provided by President Aquino. The other sources of assistance are the Army and various military financial institutions.

Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said they would provide P160,000 to P180,000 to each family depending on the fallen soldier’s rank.

The rest of the amount will come from Army cooperatives, military mutual fund, and other financial institutions where the soldier is a member. He said the assistance would help the dependents of soldiers to meet their needs.

Six Army soldiers died in Compostela Valley during the onslaught of typhoon Pablo.

They were identified as SSg. Rommel Cabellon, SSg. Rufino Catague, SSg. Maximo Olivares, Sgt. Agustin Panague, Pfc. Ryan Mark Hingosa and Pvt. Jhonard Armodia

“The Army has also provided medical assistance for all injured soldiers to ensure that they easily recuperate from their injuries,” Cabunoc said. .

The Army also donated to the typhoon victims the P1.1 million that was supposed to be used for their Christmas party.

“The donation will be given to the victims through the 10th Infantry Division,” Cabunoc said.

The military and the Defense department have cancelled their parties to sympathize with the victims of “Pablo.”

The Navy leadership also ordered the cancellation of the annual “Paskuhan sa Kampo”, which was supposed to be held today (Dec. 14) at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig.

“The traditional Command Christmas Ball scheduled this year was cancelled while Fleet-Marine Commanders personnel have been advised to focus on relief operations,” Navy spokesman Col. Omar Tonsay said.

“The Navy leadership has discouraged its unit commanders all over the country to replace their traditional merry-making with events or activities that adopt a theme focused on generating support both for the victims and responders,” he added. – Alexis Romero