Slain soldiers' widows call for end to war in Mindanao
One lost "Angel," the other, "Angelo."
Yesterday, the two widows of slain soldiers issued separate but similar calls for an end to the shooting war between government troops and Moro rebels.
Daisy Abeto and Maria Elena Benitez said efforts to the armed conflict should be seriously addressed to prevent the loss of more lives.
Daisy's husband Marine Cpl. Angelo Abeto, 30, of Mandurriao District here, died on August 11 after he was mortally wounded in a firefight with MILF rebels in Basilan. He was laid to rest last Saturday.
Marie Elena or "Cookie" lost her husband, Lt. Col. Angel Benitez, 40, on August 18 after he and his men were ambushed and trapped by Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in Lanao del Norte on August 18. He was the highest ranking soldier killed by Moro rebels since 2005.
"I lost a husband. My children lost a father. Not one more family should lose a loved one," Cookie said yesterday just before President Macapagal-Arroyo came to visit the wake of her husband at the family residence in Barangay Tabuc Suba in Jaro District.
"I hope the war will stop. I don't know if and how it will," said Daisy in a separate interview before widows met the President.
But Cookie said justice should be served for her husband's death and those responsible punished.
The widows said the pain of their loss remains unabated despite years of preparing for the possibility that their husband would be killed in combat.
"I have not accepted it yet. It's still painful," said Daisy, an elementary school teacher from Taytay town in Palawan.
"I do not want to wallow in grief forever. I need to be strong for my children," said Cookie.
The widows welcomed the visit of the President to the wake of Benitez where she also met with Daisy. Abeto's mother Sonia and his sister Anne Grace.
She arrived around 10 a.m. and met with the families of the slain soldiers for nearly an hour.
The President was accompanied by top officials and military commanders including Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and his son and namesake Iloilo Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr, Gov. Niel Tupas, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and Army chief Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado.
"By coming here and meeting with us, she gave importance to the sacrifice of my husband," said Daisy.
"I was surprised when I was told that she would be coming because other top officials already came here. This showed that she respected my husband and honored his sacrifice," said Cookie.
Justice Secretary Gonzalez who was with the President during the private meeting with the families of the slain soldiers said the President gave "substantial" financial assistance to the families although he does not know the specific amount.
Gonzalez said in a telephone interview that the President assured Abeto's family that the slain soldier's siblings will be given livelihood assistance.
Abeto, the eldest of four siblings, was the family's breadwinner especially after his father, a laborer, died years back. His mother, Sonia, is a barangay health worker earning less than P2,000 per month.
Sonia in an interview before they met with the President said they will also ask for assistance for the education of Anne Grace who has been blind since birth.
Cookie said the President also assured her that the government will support the education of her four children, aged 9 to 15, until they finish college.
The President also assured the families of the victims that she will direct the hastening of the release of benefits and other assistance given to families of slain soldiers, according to Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said the President also promised that those responsible for the deaths of the two soldiers will be brought to justice.
Even before the President's assistance, the widows said they hope they could move on soon.
Daisy said she will pursue their plan to build a house at 104 sq m lot in Palawan. She also vowed not abandon her husband's mother and siblings.
Cookie said her three sons want to continue the legacy of their father.
"It's a must, Mama, that we enter the (Philippine Military Academy). This will make Papa proud of us," they told her.
Cookie said despite her opposition, she respects the feelings of her children.
But there are things that make it difficult for her to move on and wash away the pain.
A bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label is still inside a cabinet which Angel saved for the debut party of their 15-year old eldest child and only daughter.
"Who will drink it now?" Cookie asked.