MANILA, Philippines - The families of the Gallant 44 members of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will receive more than P6M, which is the total estimated cash amount raised through the Songs for Heroes benefit concert initiated by UNTV.
The P1M of the total raised funds came from Bro. Eli Soriano and the Members Church of God International (MCGI).
Apart from the fund, televangelist Soriano and Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International CEO and chairman Daniel Razon offered scholarship grants to the children left behind by the brave SAF members and soldiers slain in the Mamasapano operation against terrorist groups.
Soriano said the children of the Gallant 44 can avail anytime of the scholarship grant at the La Verdad Christian College in Caloocan City. The school offers qualifying college students free lodging, meals, uniform and books.
Moreover, Soriano handed P10,000 to each of the 44 families as take-home money after the concert and P1M to AFP last March 19 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The holding of the concert came after Soriano tweeted his call to support the incumbent administration, which is faced with criticisms for the alleged mishandling of the Mamasapano operation.
Among those who graced the concert included the heads of PNP and AFP, namely, PC/Supt. Nestor Quinsay and Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang.
Among the artists who performed during the event were Noel Cabangon, Faith Cuneta, Bo Cerrudo, Jonalyn Viray, Jay Durias, Neocolour with Ito Rapadas, 5th Gen, Gerald Santos, The Voysing, the Bueno Sisters and Bembe and Trifosa Erese.
The AFP and PNP chorales also performed during the concert.
Soriano and Razon further revealed both the PNP and the AFP desire a repeat of the concert, which will be dedicated to the 77 injured SAF staff in Mamasapano incident last Jan. 25.