Makati gov’t, NHA extend aid to ‘SAF 44’ families

The families of the Fallen 44 formally received P100,000 each in financial assistance as well as scholarship grants from the Makati City government on Wednesday.

Housing assistance packages worth P300,000 each were also earmarked for the loved ones of the Special Action Force (SAF) members who were killed or wounded in the Jan. 25 clash with Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

In a program that served as Makati’s “Special Tribute to Heroes 44,” Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. handed out checks and announced that the slain police troopers’ children may enroll in any course of their choice at the University of Makati.

“This is our humble way of honoring our heroes. This is our way of showing our heartfelt gratitude for their courage to remain true to their duty of safeguarding the peace up to their last breath,” Binay said.

The event held at the city hall was also attended by the mayor’s father, former Makati Mayor and now Vice President Jejomar Binay; his mother and also former Makati Mayor Dr. Elenita Binay; and his sister Sen. Nancy Binay.

Froilan Kampitan, assistant general manager of the National Housing Authority (NHA), added that the families of the slain or wounded SAF members would each get P300,000 worth of housing assistance.

“This was approved by our chair of the NHA board, Vice President Binay, on Feb. 6,” Kampitan said, noting that the assistance could come in the form of a house and lot. The typical area of the house would be 33 square meters and the minimum size of the lot would be 70 sq m, he added.

After the program, the vice president met privately with the families for about an hour. Boy Agabon, father of the slain PO2 Chum Agabon, later said the meeting mainly revolved around their quest for justice.

“For me, justice is served if you pulverize (the Moro Islamic Liberation Front). Can you achieve justice with just an affidavit and the filing of a case?” he said.