Gov’t taps private sector to provide employment for SAF relatives

MANILA, Philippines—The government is tapping private companies to ensure that relatives of the policemen killed in the infamous Mamasapano clash last month will be given employment.

“Agencies that can provide jobs for members of the (Special Action Force) SAF troopers’ families have been in touch with the families, and in some cases, have already provided employment,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said on Saturday.

“The government is also reaching out to the private sector to recommend the employment of relatives of the SAF troopers,” he said.

Lacierda said he did not have the names of the companies but he said many have offered financial assistance for the families of the 44 policemen who died in an alleged misencounter with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao, on Jan. 25.

“We thank also the private sector for providing help and assistance,” he said.

READ: Gov’t creates bank account for donations to families of slain cops

“Aside from the monetary assistance coming from the President’s Social Fund, as provided to each of the families, the national government continues to extend support in other forms,” Lacierda added.

He said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) had already arranged for the training of relatives interested in its programs.

Both the National Police Commission and the Commission on Higher Education will provide scholarships and educational assistance.

Livelihood and health are also covered by respective agencies while the National Housing Authority has already started assessing the families’ housing needs.

“The government has also been following through on specific requests from the SAF troopers’ families, whether it is processing SSS (Social Security System) benefits, providing farming and fishing equipment, or facilitating the transfer requests of relatives also in the uniformed service,” Lacierda said.

“The national government will continue working until we have made sure that the futures of the bereaved families are secured.”

Earlier, Malacañang said the families will receive at least P800,000 each, excluding the monthly pension benefits.

Lifetime pension, gratuity equivalent to one year salary, additional pension for the next five years, Pag-Ibig Fund death benefits, and insurance benefits were included in the benefit package for the families.

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