Davao City – The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) extended cash assistance to twelve (12) wounded-in-action (WIA) members of the 4th Scout Ranger Company, at 2nd Scout Ranger Batallion of the First Scout Ranger Regiment, Philippine Army Unit in Barangay San Agustin, Davao Del Norte, Tagum City, on September 14, 2019.
The twelve (12) WIA Scout Rangers each received 10,000 pesos cash assistance under the ECC’s Quick Response Program (QRP). These soldiers were among those who fought during the Marawi Siege led by the ISIS-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups.
On May 23, 2017, a bloody war erupted when the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups attacked and occupied several places in Marawi City. The war lasted for nearly five months and claimed hundreds of lives among government forces.
First Lieutenant Reymal Lopez, platoon leader of the 4th Scout Ranger Company said, “The cash assistance extended to us by the Employees’ Compensation Commission indicated the government’s appreciation of the sacrifices that we put in performing our sworn duties for the country.” He added that they are grateful not only for the amount granted by the EC Programs but also for the thought that their service to the country is valued.
EC Program grants 10,000 pesos for every WIA and 15,000 pesos for the families of the killed-in-action personnel (KIA). This is in addition to the various EC benefits that can be claimed from ECC thru GSIS. The cash assistance is in accordance with the provision under the ECC Quick Response Program.
ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis, explained that through the EC Program, the men and women in uniform or their families are assured of immediate assistance in case a work-related contingency arises. “ECC financial assistance signifies the government’s appreciation of the imperative contribution of the military to the country’s peace, progress and national security.”
Reporting by Albert A. Bantan, ECC – REU XI; Editing by Carlo Katigbak