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

MANILA, Philippines–In accordance with President Benigno Aquino III’s call for the public to assist the families of the 44 policemen killed in Maguindanao, Malacañang on Thursday released details on how people can help.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said a bank account was created for the families of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) who were killed in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao, last Sunday.

“The President last night appealed to the public to extend utmost support to the bereaved families of the heroic members of the PNP-Special Action Force, who gave their lives in the service of the country,” Coloma said.

The account was created by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The details are as follows:

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

On Wednesday evening, Aquino addressed the nation to tackle the tragic accident. He admitted that there was a lack of coordination on the ground but said that he is still waiting for the results of an investigation.

He said the government will give the families of the victims “maximum assistance.”

“I also take the opportunity to appeal to the public: If possible let us extend our utmost support to the bereaved, and maximize the help we can give to the families of those who fell, in recognition of the valor of these heroes who gave their lives for the realization of the peace we have long desired,” Aquino had said.

“To the families of the SAF members who perished: I fully sympathize with your grief. I know that this grief may be accompanied by worries about your future, especially if your loved ones who sacrificed their lives were also your breadwinners,” Aquino added.

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