President Aquino Vows Justice for Fallen Police Commandos

Manila — President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday vowed justice for the 44 members of the Philippine National Police – Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) who died during a police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Sunday.

“Sisikapin po nating makamit ang katarungan para sa lahat ng pinaslang at kanilang mga naiwang mahal sa buhay,” the President said during his speech at the necrological service held for the slain police officers in a multipurpose hall in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.

He assured their respective families that the government would provide them assistance.

“Pipilitin nating bawasan ang agam-agam sa inyong kinabukasan. Tutugunan po natin ang inyong mga pangangailangan nang sumusunod sa lahat ng batas at patakaran,” he said.

He noted that the government would grant financial aid to the families of the police officers who died, as well as those who were wounded.

“Mula sa pagbibigay-suporta sa pag-aaral ng mga benepisyaryo, hanggang sa pagtulong sa paghahanap ng trabaho’t mapagkakakitaan—ilan lang po ito sa mga halimbawa ng ayudang ipinagkakaloob ng inyong gobyerno,” the President said.

According to Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., the benefit package includes lifetime pension, gratuity equivalent to a year’s salary, additional pension for the next five years, Pag-Ibig Fund death benefits, insurance benefits, and commutation of leaves.

Each family will initially receive a minimum of P800,000 in cash, excluding monthly pension benefits, he said, adding that scholarship assistance will also be given to their children, as well as employment and livelihood assistance to their widows, siblings and parents.

Before his speech, President Aquino paid his last respects to each of the fallen SAF members by praying and placing a “Medalya ng Katapangan” on top of each coffin.

He then proceeded to the Moral and Spiritual Formation Center across the multipurpose hall to meet with the families of the SAF members.

According to Coloma, President Aquino listened to the sentiments expressed by the family of each SAF agent and he in turn condoled with them, reiterating the government’s determination to render justice to the slain troopers.

He said the President has directed Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and PNP Officer-in-Charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina to ensure that the families receive all of the benefits due them within the shortest time frame possible.

During the necrological service, PNP-SAF Officer-In-Charge Police Chief Superintendent Noli Talino paid tribute to the 44 SAF members.

Widow of Senior Inspector Ryan Pabalinas, Erica Pabalinas, who spoke on behalf of the families of the slain police officers, asked President Aquino for justice to be served.

Also present during the service were former president Fidel Ramos, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, and other members of the Senate and Congress.

Before the President arrived, his sisters Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Aquino-Abellada and Victoria Elisa “Viel” Aquino-Dee were seen condoling with the families of the police officers. (PCOO-PND)