ECC releases P2.3-M aid for wounded, slain troops in Marawi

FILE: ECC executive director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said Thursday that a total of PHP2,392,479.62 in benefits would be provided to the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP). (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — The Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) has released more than PHP2 million worth of financial assistance for soldiers and policemen who were either wounded or killed in action during the Marawi siege.

ECC executive director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said Thursday that a total of PHP2,392,479.62 in benefits would be provided to the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP).

“The releases only represent the assistance provided to the uniformed personnel from January to September 2017,” the ECC official said in a statement.

She noted that PHP1,752,479.62 was allotted for EC disability benefits, and PHP640,000 for EC death benefits.

The releases were made through the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

The ECC issued Board Resolution No. 17-06-22, which provides for the facilitative processing of the EC benefits for members of the AFP and the PNP who were wounded or killed in action in the war in Marawi.

“Similarly, ECC Board Resolution No. 17-06-23 was issued to provide, not only for the speedy facilitation of EC benefits of the members of the AFP and PNP who were wounded or killed in military and police operation, but also for their immediate enrollment under the ECC’s Katulong at Gabay ng Manggagawang May Kapansanan (KaGabay Program),” Banawis said.

The program provides special assistance to persons with work-related disabilities (PWRD) in the form of either skills or entrepreneurial training and the provision of rehabilitation services and appliances.

Likewise, it primarily aims to facilitate their reintegration into the mainstream of the society.

Meanwhile, she reported that the Quick Response Program, another program of the ECC, has served 192 uniformed personnel. This is composed of 170 from the AFP, 20 from the PNP, and two from the Bureau of Fire Protection.

“The benefits also form part of the benefits granted to AFP and PNP battle and duty casualties, under the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program,” Banawis said.

She added that the ECC continuously assists workers with benefits and services in the event of work-related sickness, injury, or death, and further emphasized the importance of keeping workplaces safe and healthy. (PNA)