By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, March 11 (PNA) – In recognizing the courage and gallantry of the Special Action Force (SAF) troopers, the Philippine Senate gave Php 5.1 million worth of financial assistance to the SAF troopers who were killed, wounded and survived the Mamasapano incident last Jan. 25.
Before the Senate session ended Wednesday night, Senate President Franklin Drilon announced the financial assistance worth Php100,000 each to the families of the 44 SAF troopers who were killed in an encounter with the combined forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Isalmic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
”The Senate recognized the courage and gallantry of the PNP SAF, especially the 44 troopers who risked their lives in taking part in this very important and critical mission that they undertook,” Drilon said.
Drilon said the Senate also granted Php30,000 each to the 15 wounded SAF commandos and Php 20,000 each to the 15 remaining members of the 84th and 55th Special Action Command who survived the encounter.
”For the families of those who have sacrificed their lives for the accomplishment of the mission, we offer deepest sympathies and we salute and paid tribute to all the members of the SAF for their courage and bravery. Thank you for a job well done,” Drilon said.
Drilon said the money will be deposited to the respective bank accounts of the 74 SAF troopers on Thursday.
”It will be directly deposited to the individual bank accounts of each of the SAF troopers tomorrow, March 12, by way of financial assistance,” Drilon said
Some members of the families of the SAF 44 were present when Drilon came out with a surprise announcement.
”We are here to seek justice for our family but if there will be financial grant, we will gladly accept it,” one family member of a SAF trooper killed in the encounter said. He requested not to be named. (PNA)