Marawi donations for 68 slain soldiers hit P68 M

Anonymous donors gave P68 million to the families of 68 soldiers killed in the ongoing battle between government forces and local terrorist group Maute in Marawi City.

The Philippine Army turned over the financial assistance in checks amounting to P1 million each to the families of the 68 fallen soldiers yesterday at the Ricarte Hall in Philippine Army Officers Club in Fort Bonifacio.

Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, Army Public Affairs chief, said the money was donated to the Armed Forces by a number of philanthropists who wished to remain anonymous.

Earlier this month, the military also distributed financial assistance checks worth 1 million each to selected beneficiaries of the fatalities, including the next of kin of six soldiers from the Army.

The next of kin of the other 68 fallen soldiers will also receive their financial assistance checks from the military during the ceremonial turnover to be led by the Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda.

Ileto said the financial assistance for the remaining beneficiaries is now being processed to be released to the Philippine Army, which will turn it over to the beneficiaries.

“The Philippine Army is grateful for the support extended to the families of our fallen soldiers. This will surely serve as an inspiration to our troops still fighting in Marawi City,” he added.

The Filipino community in San Angelo, Texas in United States also donated $7,000 or P350,000 to wounded soldiers to express their gratitude and support to them.

The money and gifts will benefit those confined at the Heroes’ Ward of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center.

“This is actually a reflection of the good reputation that the Armed Forces has, not only in the Philippines but also abroad. We also have high prestige there because we all follow the law,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

He thanked the Filipino community in San Angelo, Texas and Rhea Agatep-Hale, who initiated the collection of donations from community members.

The turnover of gifts to wounded soldiers was facilitated by the Defense Intelligence and Security Group headed by Lt. Col. Estrellito Romero.

As of Aug. 24, a total of 98 Army soldiers were killed in action in the continuing fight in Marawi City.

Since the start of the Marawi rebellion, there has been an outpouring support from Army stakeholders and the private sector.