BBM orders quicker assistance for families of fallen heroes

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all concerned government agencies to expedite the release of financial assistance to the families of uniformed personnel who died in the line of duty—whether in military combat, police operations, or other high-risk assignments.

Speaking during the “Paggunita sa Mga Bayani sa Araw ng Kagitingan: Comprehensive Social Benefits Program” held at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday, the President personally met with 62 families of fallen soldiers and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members.

Each of these families is set to receive PhP500,000 in financial aid through the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Office of the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (DILG – CSBP). Additional support will come from the Office of the President’s Special Financial Assistance and Socio-Civic Project Funds.

The DILG – CSBP also announced that beneficiaries will be provided with livelihood training, enabling them to establish small businesses. A portion of the financial aid—PhP250,000 from the second tranche—can serve as seed capital.

For uniformed personnel wounded in action, the program offers P100,000 in assistance, while those unable to return to service due to serious injuries will receive up to P250,000.

While the DILG is still compiling final data on the total number of recipients, the President emphasized that no beneficiary will be left behind.

In a major gesture of long-term support, the President announced that housing certificates from the National Housing Authority (NHA) will also be provided to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Kung tayo ay nagbibigay ng dangal sa ating mga nasawi na mga kasama … kailangan ay ang ating pangako sa kanila, at lagi natin sinasabi kahit ano pang mangyari, ang inyong mga pamilya ay aalagaan natin. Hindi po namin pababayaan,” the President declared.

“Kaya’t kayo, mga beneficiaries ng ating mga programa para sa mga pamilya ng mga nasawi habang sila’y nagseserbisyo sa bansa … ngayong araw na ito masasabi ko maibibigay na namin lahat ng hinihintay ninyo na napakatagal,” he added.

“Tinitiyak po natin na lahat po ng pamilya na nawalan ng mahal sa buhay ay mabigyan ng kanilang benepisyo sa pinakamadaling panahon at sisimulan po natin ngayong araw,” Marcos assured.