Total Assistance Given To SAF 44 Families Reached Php188-M –Palace

Contrary to reports that government has been remiss in its duties to help the families of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members killed in the Mamasapano incident last year, Malacanang said on Sunday the total amount of assistance given to them has now reached Php188 million.

”For the information of the public, we are ready to provide them with data so that they will understand that the government has tried its best to provide the necessary assistance,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a Radyo ng Bayan interview.

Based on the latest data from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), Coloma said out of the total amount, Php151.2 million in the form of mandatory lump sum benefits and other assistance have been given to the families of the SAF 44.

”It has different ranges depending on the tenure or years of services …,” Coloma said.

Meanwhile, Coloma said the immediate families of the SAF 44 have also been receiving monthly pension now amounting to Php10.1 million from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

”This is a continuing benefit aside from another third category which is the donations that the SAF 44 families have received through the PNP Special Financial Assistance Fund, Senate, House of Representatives, and local government unit of Dasmarinas, Cavite,” Coloma said.

He said the total donation is Php26.87 million.

Coloma clarified that aside from the immediate families of the SAF 44, the extended families totaling 261 have also benefited in the aspect of livelihood, housing, education and other related assistance.

”So we did not confine only to the immediate family as provided by law, but the extended family members have also been provided with assistance,” he said.

With regards to the allegation that Malacanang is trying to cover up the Mamasapano encounter, Coloma said the claim of retired Chief Supt. Diosdado Valeroso should be better discussed in the Senate’s reinvestigation of the Mamasapano incident on Jan. 27.

”It would be better for us to wait for the reopening of the Senate inquiry. I think it is the proper forum to voice if they have new knowledge and evidences that would help in finding the truth,” Coloma said.

The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs headed by Senator Grace Poe has invited 24 resource persons, including the PCOO chief, to the Jan. 27 hearing. (PNA) SCS/JFM