Trust fund for slain cops proposed
President Duterte has proposed the establishment of a multi-billion trust fund to provide benefits for the families of the country’s policemen.
Addressing the graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy in Cavite yesterday, the President has pledged to take care of the spouses and children of policemen killed in duty, from providing free education to livelihood assistance.
“On current war on illegal drugs and crime has claimed the lives of some of your comrades. We will not allow them to become mere statistics. We owe it to them, to ourselves, to our children to ensure that their sacrifice will not be in vain,” the President said.
“The government will ensure our policemen that their families will be taken care of,” he said. “During my term and maybe thereafter, I’m looking for billions of pesos as a trust fund for your families,” he added.
Duterte told the policemen to focus on their duties and not to fret about their families, saying “the government will take care over your worries.”
“I will assure you now, I’ll make you the guarantee that I will leave a legislation that will put in trust so many billions,” he said.
Pending the creation of a trust fund, Duterte said the Presidential Management Staff will continue to provide educational assistance to the children of fallen policemen. The widows are also given jobs by the Department of Interior and Local Government.
“Do not be afraid because we take care of your wives. They are – on that day, pag bisita ko, they are automatically employed,” he said. “Then ang mga anak, we take care of the tuition fees. I hope it would be institutionalized and that is my dream about three to four years, in place na ‘yan. So lahat. Lahat ng mga anak ninyo, hanggang college,” he said.
The President challenged the graduates of the 144-strong PNPA Masidlak Class of 2017 to remain strong in the fight against drugs, crime, and corruption.
“For the Masidlak Class of 2017, the arduous task of keeping our nation safe is just beginning. Never be discouraged, no matter how formidable the odds may be stacked against you,” he said.
He also promised to protect and defend the policemen performing their duty in the frontlines towards a safer country. “You are part of the few who heeded the call to serve and emerged victorious. Losses and triumphs are inevitable in our ongoing battle against crime and corruption,” he said.