THE national government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has released P5.4 million in livelihood assistance to the widows of 18 soldiers who were killed in action three years ago in Basilan.

DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista led on Friday, September 6, the distribution of the livelihood assistance to the widows.

Eighteen soldiers of the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion died in heavy firefight against the Abu Sayyaf bandits on April 9, 2016 in Basilan, when Bautista was the commander of the then Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade, which was renamed this year as 101st Infantry Brigade.

DSWD Regional Director Nestor Ramos said each widow received P300,000 cash assistance to start their own business.

Ramos said the beneficiaries are engaged in liquefied petroleum gas and rice

dealership, mini grocery, convenience store, eatery, boarding house, apartment, poultry, buy and sell, among others. (Bong Garcia)