Benefits pouring in for SAF heroes’ families

MANILA, Philippnes–The 44 slain Special Action Force (SAF) commandos may have been equally heroic in battle, but in death, their rank and seniority dictate their worth.

The families of the men killed in the Mamasapano clash with Moro rebels in Maguindanao province have so far received at least P24.5 million in total benefits from the government, but they got varying amounts, depending on the slain policemen’s seniority, years in service, and contribution to the Public Safety Mutual Benefits Fund Inc. (PSMBFI).

The families of youngest fallen hero PO1 Joseph Sagonoy and fellow rookie PO1 Loreto Capinding II have each received P407,566 so far from the Office of the President, the Philippine National Police, and the PSMBFI.

Lifetime pension

The biggest amount went to the family of Senior Insp. Ryan Pabalinas, at P764,824.07, followed by Senior Insp. John Garry Erana, whose family received P753,525.90.

The commissioned officers’ benefits totaled more than P700,000, while 13 of the 44 SAF troopers each got at least P541,770.

From the PNP, the families will receive the monetary equivalent of the policemen’s accumulated leave on Feb. 25, and their lifetime monthly pension starting March 16.

Again, depending on the SAF troopers’ ranks, the pension from the PNP ranges from P15,000 to P25,000 a month.

The families have also received from the PSMBFI a cash advance and 25 percent of their slain kin’s basic life insurance, while the other benefits were still being processed.

Each family has P250,000 from the President’s Social Fund as well.

Burial and gratuity benefits and a monthly pension for SAF widows are also due from the National Police Commission, with the gratuity benefits being equivalent to the slain troopers’ one-year salary, and the burial expenses equivalent to their three months’ basic salary. The pension for five years is equivalent to 80 percent of the trooper’s basic monthly pay.

Death benefits

Families of police officers killed in the line of duty are entitled to death benefits, including P250,000 from the President’s Social Fund, P141,000 to P181,000 Special Financial Assistance from the PNP, and P50,000 burial benefits.

Members of the PSMBFI are also entitled to death insurance claims ranging from P225,000 to P417,000 each, depending on their ranks.

“These benefits will be given as due to the families (of the slain SAF men), aside from the help that other government agencies have promised,” PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. said, adding that the benefits were released almost a month after the Jan. 25 Mamasapano clash.

Meanwhile, the 15 SAF commandos wounded in action have received a total of P1.19 million in assistance so far from the President’s Social Fund and the PSMBFI.

No confrontation

Four of the wounded—PO3 Rommel Magno, PO3 Ryan Temporada, PO2 Jovalyn Lozano and PO2 Dominick Lukingan—who suffered major injuries have each received P100,000 from the President’s Social Fund.

Help from various government agencies, among them the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Education are also forthcoming, Cerbo said, adding that President Aquino’s meeting with the families of the SAF men on Wednesday was meant to be a personal exchange and discussion of their concerns.

Contrary to some media reports, Cerbo said there was no confrontation between the President and some of the families during that meeting.

“I was there the whole time. I did not see nor witness any shouting or confrontation. What I can say is, there was a free exchange,” the PNP official said. “I cannot identify any instance as a confrontation (and) no family raised its voice,” he added.

“All of the (families’) sentiments were the same. All of them are seeking truth and justice,” Cerbo said of the gathering that stretched through the wee hours of Thursday morning.

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