City to give financial aid to slain Ilonggo soldiers
City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the city government will extend financial assistance of P10,000 each for the Ilonggo soldiers slain in the ongoing hostilities in Mindanao. The families of the dead soldiers are requested to submit necessary documents for the release of financial aid.
Treñas mourns the death of Lt. Col. Angelo Benitez and Cpl. Angel Abeto. Several Ilonggo soldiers are currently in Mindanao fighting against the atrocities of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The city has more reason to mourn as Lt. Col. Benitez's wife Maria Elena or "Cookie" works at the Iloilo City Scholarship Division. The couple has been married for more than 15 years and have four kids.
Lt Col. Benitez, 40 recently passed the General Staff Course (GSC) with flying colors. He graduated number 1 from among those officers who took GSC. The slain army official was formerly assigned in the then Military Intelligence Company (MICO), now Military Intelligence Division (MID).
Lt. Col. Benitez, executive officer of the Philippine Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade, and three soldiers died when their vehicle was ambushed by MILF in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte early Monday morning.
Army officials recognized the gallant effort of Benitez. He was providing his officials information of the MILF's movement in the area until such time the army team was cornered in the market.
The Benitez family will hold a two-week wake for the slain lieutenant colonel. The two weeks period will allow their families from La Union to come to Iloilo City before the burial.
While, Cpl. Abeto was among the soldiers wounded then later died when MILF members attacked the Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan. He was given military honors at Fort Bonifacio and was awarded the Gold Cross medal, the second highest military honor for gallantry in action.
Abeto, who is from Barangay Airport, Mandurriao is set to be buried Friday after a mass at the Mandurriao church.