Soldiers’ widows, kids get aid

Thursday, May 12, 2011

FOR more than a year, Nimfa Baragenio has been struggling to feed her six children after losing her husband in an ambush allegedly carried out by rebels in Barangay Dawo, Oquindo District, Calbayog City, Western Samar in 2009.

Yesterday morning, Nimfa, along with five other surviving spouses and kin of soldiers who were killed in action, each received P250,000 cash assistance from the Office of the President through the Central Command (Centcom).

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Thirteen other members of the Philippine Army (PA) also received cash, after getting wounded in the line of fire in the Visayas.

Nimfa’s husband, Renato, a member of the PA’s 20th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the 8th Infantry Division, was killed on Nov. 16, 2009.

Nimfa, who could not hold back tears during the ceremony yesterday, said Renato may be gone, but their memories of being a responsible husband and a father to his children would always remain.

Small business

She said she will use some of the cash to start a small business and spend for the education of her children.

The ceremony was held at the Marco Polo Hotel, with Brigadier Gen. Alejandro Estomo, Centcom deputy commander, and Col. Alden Juan Masagca, senior military assistant to the Office of Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs, handing over the assistance.

The cash, which amounted to P2.4 million, came from the social funds of President Benigno Aquino III.

Estomo, in a speech, said the heroism showed by their fallen comrades or those who were injured highlighted their dedication to their job.

He said the financial assistance will help meet the financial needs of the surviving families.

Estomo said apart from the cash assistance, housing and scholarship grants will also be given to the families.

Apart from Renato, those who died in action were Restituto L. Aniban, Corporal Alexander Bayugo, Corporal Douglas Jumagdao, Private First Class Pfc) Eugene Daquil and Pfc Jonathan Sibay.

Those who were injured and received P100,000 cash each were 2Lt. Philip Muyco, Pfc
Santiago Vallite Jr., Pfc Jerry Gabutan, Corporal Rolly Casipe, and Pfc Melwin Buctot.

Those who got P50,000 each were Pfc Arman Andilab, Pfc Howel Villa, Pfc Danger Paler, Pfc Randy Bernate, and Pfc Edgar Igdalino.