House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez will provide an undisclosed amount of cash aid to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) members who became casualties in the Feb. 18 clash against Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute terrorists in Lanao del Norte. 

This was announced by Romualdez in his speech during the launch of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) Sunday, Feb. 25 in Sultan Kudarat. 

"Nais kong magbigay pugay sa ating magititing at matatapang na sundalo na nakipaglaban sa isang engkwentro sa Lanao del Norte. As instructed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. at bilang pasasalamat sa serbisyo at sakripisyo ng apat na sugatan at anim na nasawing mga bayani, tayo’y magbigigay ng cash assistance, educational at livelihood assistance para sa kanilang mga pamilya at mga anak,” Romualdez said. 

(I want to honor our valiant and courageous soldiers who fought in the encounter in Lanao del Norte. As instructed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and to show thanks for the service and sacrifice rendered by the four wounded and six slain heroes, we will provide cash assistance as well as educational and livelihood assistance to their families and children.) 

He said these soldiers displayed exemplary bravery and dedication to their duty to defend the country in their encounter against the members of the terrorist faction. They did this to achieve national security and peace, the Speaker noted. 

Reports said that the extremist group clashed with soldiers from the 44th Infantry Batallion in Barangay Ramain, Munai town in Lanao del Norte. 

Romualdez expressed his condolences to the families of the six fatalities, namely Corporal Rey Anthony Salvador, Corporal Reland Tapinit, Corporal Rodel Mobida, Private First Class (PFC) Arnel Tornito, Private Micharl John Lumingkit, and Private James Porras. 

At the same time, the House leader wished for the speedy recovery of Corporal Jaymark Remotigue, PFC Marvien Aguipo, Private Amiril Sakinal, and Private Nazareno Provido. 

"Kinikilala natin ang malalim na sakripisyo ng ating mga sundalo para tiyakin ang ating kaligtasan at kalayaan. Nararapat lamang na suportahan natin sila at ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay sa panahon ng pangangailangan,” Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district said. 

(We recognize our soldiers' deep sacrifices just to ensure our safety and freedom. It is only right to support them and their loved ones during times of need.) 

The Marcos administration will continue to support the needs of the country’s soldiers, he further said.