Businessmen give aid to families of slain Marawi troopers, cops

The Philippines’ top businessmen have banded together to come to the aid of the families of soldiers and policemen who died fighting Islamic State-inspired terrorists in Marawi City.

The families of the 101 soldiers and policemen have received a P250,000 check each from the businessmen through the Go Negosyo Kapatid for Marawi network.

The checks were handed out to the families in Malacañang on Tuesday, where they also met with President Duterte who condoled with them for their loss.

Mr. Duterte also said one of the businessmen, who refused to be identified publicly, would give P1 million for each family.

“I know that no amount could equal the loss of your loved ones. May you find solace in the fact that the whole nation condoles with you in these trying times,” Mr. Duterte said.

“The Philippines would forever be grateful for their heroism,” he added.

His heart breaks every time he reads the briefer reporting the casualties in Marawi, Mr. Duterte said.

“I suffer above all because I was the one who declared martial law, and I was the one who directed the soldiers to go there,” he said.

HEROES OF MARAWI “What your sons have done for the country is truly admirable,” Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion told the families of the slain troops. “They are heroes.” —JOAN BONDOC

He thanked the businessmen who helped the soldiers, and said he would always remember them.

“I will wait for you in heaven,” he added, to chuckles from the businessmen.

The businessmen paid tribute to the security forces for the sacrifices they made in the battle for Marawi.

Joey Concepcion, presidential adviser for entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder, said the donations from private businesses showed their appreciation for the soldiers protecting the country.

“What your sons have done for the country is truly admirable. They are heroes,” Concepcion said.

“Through this occasion, we want to honor these courageous souls by showing that their fellow countrymen — from the government to the business sector — have not forgotten their ultimate sacrifice and their loved ones who miss them dearly,” he said in a separate statement.

He said he hoped the conflict in Marawi would end soon.

The Go Negosyo Kapatid network has also sent care packages that include food, water, and personal care products to displaced Marawi residents and the troops in the city.

The businessmen also provided for the travel and accommodation of the families of the slain troopers, who flew to Manila for the event.

Donors

The Go Negosyo Kapatids who donated to the fund for the soldiers include Tessie Sy-Coson of the BDO and SM group, Jaime Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Corp., Josephine Gotianum Yap of Filinvest, Manny Pangilinan of the PLDT Smart foundation, Alfred Ty of Metrobank Foundation, Michael Tan of Asia Brewery and Philippine Airlines, and Tony Tan Caktiong of Jollibee Food Corp.

Also among the donors are Jean Henri Lhuilier of Cebuana Lhullier, Mildren Vitangcol of St. Peter’s Chapel, Alice Eduardo of Sta. Elena Corp., Injap Sia of Double Dragon Properties, Jojo Concepcion of Concepcion Industries, William Belo of Wilcon Depot, Dennis Uy of Chelsea Logistics, Santi Araneta of LBC, Sabin Aboitiz of Aboitiz Corp., and the Duterte Cabinet Spouses Association.