Pio Duran, Albay
03 August 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III visited the wake of Private First Class Arwin Martirez, one of the ten soldiers who died in Basilan in an encounter with the Abu Sayaff Group last July 26, in Pio Duran, Albay.

The Commander-in-Chief provided P250,000 financial assistance to Mrs. Luzviminda Martirez, the grieving mother of Pfc Martirez, coming from the President’s Social Fund. Another P200,000 was granted from the Special Army Assistance, Mutual Benefit Assistance, Ranger Assistance and Scout Ranger Unit. He also vowed to support the education of the late soldier’s three studying siblings especially the sister who is in high school.

President Aquino instructed PNP Regional Director Arnie delos Reyes to investigate and resolve the death of Willy Martirez, the father of Pfc Martirez who was murdered in August 20 last year.

Moreover, the President also approved the concreting of the 2-kilometer provincial road in Brgy. 1, Pio Duran. He directed the Presidential Management Staff to release P26 million to the provincial government of Albay for the funding of the said project.

The nine soldiers who died with Pfc Martirez are Pfc Segundiano G. Tamayo Jr., Pfc Mark B. Ocampo, Pfc Rey C. Evangelista, Pfc Arnold D. Coresis, Pfc Cleto A. Algayan, Pfc Kennith John D. Maribao, Pfc Jose Marvin V. Talamante Jr., Cpl Jerry N. Areglado and Pfc Erwin Alerta.

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