PGMA assures scholarship for dependents of slain Ilonggo soldiers
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo extended financial assistance to the families of slain soldiers here in Iloilo City. Also, scholarships would be made available for the children or dependents of the fatalities.
The President yesterday had a private meeting with the families of the slain soldiers at Raymundville Subdivision in Brgy. Tabuc Suba, Jaro.
President Arroyo extended P250,000 to Daisy Abeto, widow of Cpl. Angelo Abeto. Another P50,000 from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) was given to her.
Abeto's widow appreciated the effort of the President in personally going to Iloilo City to show her support to the families of the soldiers who died when the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) raided North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte.
The President likewise assured Abeto's mother Sonia of a livelihood program and a scholarship program for the soldier's younger sister. The slain soldier's younger sibling is a third year political science in one of the universities in the city. When still alive, the slain army corporal spends for his younger sister to college.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will coordinate with the Abeto family as soon as the livelihood assistance is already available, said Sonia.
Abeto's were fetched from Barangay Airport early morning yesterday to join the President in the residence of the Benitez family. Tight security was imposed near the army officer's residence. Even media were not allowed to get near the residence.
Meanwhile, Maria Elena Benitez, wife of bemedalled army officer Lt. Col. Benitez, also confirmed the President personally handed to her cash financial assistance.
She refused to confirm the amount as she is more particular on the scholarship program for her three sons and one daughter until they earn a degree. Her children are in high school and in elementary.
The widow also got the President's assurance that the promised scholarship and other due benefits will be given to them.
Mrs. Benitez added that she was also assured justice would be served to his husband. The president promised to her that the government will do everything to purge the MILF forces sowing fear and terror in Mindanao.
Ms Benitez has mixed emotions during her face to face meeting with the President. She was able to personally meet the President but lost his husband.
"Her presence eased our sorrow even for a moment," said Benitez.