STAR fund drive for SAF raises P2.75 M

MANILA, Philippines - The slain Special Action Forces (SAF) troopers did not die in vain.

This is the collective message of readers of The Philippine STAR who joined hands to raise a total of P2.75 million for #SaluteToThe44, The STAR’s fund drive for families of SAF heroes who laid down their lives in the pursuit of lasting peace.

At the close of the fund-raising effort yesterday, The STAR’s social arm Operation Damayan received an additional P124,700 in new donations to tally a sum that will entitle each family to at least P60,000 in endowment.

Received yesterday were P100,000 from BazaarFoundation, P13,200 from Versatemp Corp., P10,000 from Benjamin Esguerra Jr., and P1,500 from Ma. Teresa Gabia.

Operation Damayan also acknowledges earlier donations received from the following: De Vera, Mateo and Regino families, P20,000; anonymous, P20,000; Mr. & Mrs. Galve, P12,000; R&SS, P11,000; P10,000 each from JS Unitrade-EQ Baby Diaper, Charmee Feminine Protection, and Caress Care; P5,000 each from Mert Tangona, Angel Romualdez, Sea Wind Boracay, Siy family, Yu family, VJC Construction & Services, Platinum Oil, and Atty. Gary; P4,000 from Marivi Hilos; P3,000 from Emie; P3,000 from Lourdes Guzman; and P2,000 each from L. Salvador, Annabelle Viray and Mar Mendoza.

“Here’s my humble donation for the families of our brave SAF 44. It’s the least I can do and I can never repay their sacrifices for keeping us safe. May their brave souls rest in peace. May their families find consolation in the courage, honor and skills of their husbands, fathers and sons,” said donor Mert Tangonan.

Marivi Hilos of San Pablo City, on the other hand, said, “I cried each time I saw or heard news about the SAF fallen 44, but crying will not help while a little donation can.”

The STAR, through Operation Damayan head Emie Cruz, has communicated with many of the families of the fallen heroes and will commence distribution of the funds collected in the coming week.

One international terrorist equivalent to 44 SAF men was the equation for this costly war in Mamapasano, Maguindanao, but in the words of SAF officer-in-charge Noli Taliño, “If you ask them, they will say it is worth it.”