Families of SAF44 to get lifetime pension, other benefits

MANILA, Philippines–Malacañang on Friday announced the benefit package that the relatives of 44 elite policemen killed in Mamasapano will receive following its promise to give “maximum assistance” to each family.

“The package of benefits for families of slain Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) troopers includes: lifetime pension, gratuity equivalent to one year salary, additional pension for the next five years, Pag-Ibig Fund death benefits, insurance benefits, and commutation of leaves,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

Coloma said each family will receive at least P800,000. This does not include the monthly pension benefits.

To secure the future of the policemen’s children and widows, scholarships and employment assistance will also be given.

As of posting time, President Benigno Aquino III is still meeting with some of the families at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. He met with the families before and after the necrological services that coincided with the National Day of Mourning.

Coloma said the President has also discussed with them the different forms of government assistance offered.

Earlier, Malacañang also announced the opening of a bank account for the families. It is in line with Aquino’s call for the public to help the relatives.

The following account is under the management of the Department of Social Welfare and Development:

Landbank of the Philippines (LBP)
Account Name: “DSWD-Armed Conflict Mamasapano, Maguindanao”
LBP Current Account Number (CA) No.: 3122-1026-28

During the necrological services, some politicians were also seen approaching the families and offering financial help.

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