Gov’t to aid slain Cordilleran warriors’ kin

BAGUIO CITY — Six soldiers and policemen from the Cordillera region who were deployed and killed in the battle zone in Marawi City are not only to be remembered as heroes as their families will receive assistance and other benefits from the Presidential Special Fund.

Chief Inspector Kimberly Molitas, National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) spokesperson, said the government is already processing the package of benefits to be released to the immediate families of all those killed-inaction (KIA) in the fight against Maute Group terrorists in Marawi.

Based on the latest count, 165 policemen and soldiers were listed as KIAs while 1,700 troops were injured during the five-month conflict which officially ended last October 23.

“Most of our troops from the PNP and AFP come from the Cordillera, particularly those in the Special Action Force. This really shows the heart of the Cordilleran through our troops but although we mourn for our troops, we also celebrate the lives of our colleagues who sacrificed their lives in the name of peace,” said Molitas, who hails from Kibungan, Benguet.

Meanwhile, a fund donation drive dubbed “Cordillera Binnadang Fund Drive for Cordi Marawi” for the benefit of “kalian” KIA families has been launched by the group of Alexander Bangsoy, Saturnino Galino, William Guzman and Jones Padeo.