Compensation commission releases P2.3-M to aid Marawi soldiers

Soldiers are seen at the height of ground and air assault against members of ISIS-inspired militants in Marawi City. FILE PHOTO BY JEOFFREY MAITEM / INQUIRER MINDANAO

The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) has released a total of P 2.3 million for soldiers who were either wounded or killed in action in the five-month Marawi City siege.

In a statement, the ECC said it has disbursed P 2,392,479.62 in benefits through the Government Service Insurance System for the soldiers deployed there.

ECC executive director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said the amount represent the assistance provided to the soldiers up to September 2017.

Of the P 2.3 million, P 1,752,479.62 are for ECC disability benefits, while P 640,000 are for ECC death benefits.

Earlier, the ECC issued board resolution number 17-06-22 which provides for the facilitative processing of the employees’ compensation benefits for policemen and soldiers who were wounded or killed in action.

On Monday, the military ended its combat operations in Marawi City after killing 42 terrorists and gaining control of the mosque where the Maute group made its last stand.

Banawis said they will continue to provide employees’ compensation benefits to policemen and soldiers who were either wounded or killed in action.

“The ECC will continuously assist workers with benefits and services in the event of work-related sickness, injury, or death,” she added. /je