Kin of fallen Marawi heroes get assistance

CEBU, Philippines — Eight million pesos in aid has been turned over to the families of the fallen soldiers who fought in the five-month long siege of Marawi City.

A significant slice of the amount was given to the 25 families of the fallen heroes from the Visayas during the turnover ceremony held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command in Camp Lapu-Lapu, Lahug in Cebu City.

Television network UNTV along with the Church of God International, popularly known as Ang Dating Daan, organized the benefit concert titled “Songs for Heroes.”

The concert has recognized the sacrifices of the soldiers and police personnel who fought in the Marawi siege. The families of government forces killed during the battle are the beneficiaries of the project.

The organizers of the musical event raised P8 million in cash from the sales and pledges of the attendees and sponsors.

Brother Danny Navales, Ang Dating Daan minister, said the aid serves as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation for the soldiers’ efforts in combating terrorism and other atrocities.

"Marami-raming buhay ang nawala at kami po ay narito upang iparating ang taos na pakikiramay sa pamilya ng mga sundalo na naging bahagi sa isang pangyayari na ayaw natin mangyari na naganap sa ating bansa," Navales said.

He said sacrifices of the slain soldiers will not be in vain.

"Mga kawal na para mapanatili ang kapayapaan at katahimikan.  Sabi nga ni brother Eli (Soriano) kahit sa pamamagitan ng ganito (aid), ay matulungan kahit alam namin hindi lubusang maiibsan ang sakit at pagdaramdam. Kung ang ating mahal sa buhay maagang nawalay ituring na hindi nawalang saysay ang pinagpaguran," he said.

Soriano, a televangelist and overall servant of Ang Dating Daan, delivered a taped message during the turnover, saying his heart goes out to the fallen soldiers and their bereaved families as his father and grandfather were also former soldiers.

Soriano gave an additional P50,000 financial assistance from his own pocket.

AFP-CENTCOM Commander Major General Paul Atal said the public’s generosity is a reflection of love, care, and support for the government forces.

"Acts of benevolence do not only serve as financial aid for fallen soldiers. To those who are wounded while fighting and to those bravely thrashing the enemies of the state more than anything this serves as a stronghold. That our soldiers’ efforts and bravery are not put in vain," Atal said.

"These acts of generosity assure our soldiers that the country and the people who are fighting with their life and limb appreciate their deeds," he added.  (FREEMAN)