Press Release
December 10, 2008

LOREN URGES UPWARDS REVISION OF SOLDIERS' PAY AND BENEFITS

Noting the sacrifices made by soldiers to defend the country's liberty and sovereignty, Sen. Loren Legarda yesterday urged the government to revise upwards the salaries and benefits of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Senator Legarda issued the call in the wake of the death of five Marines and the wounding of 25 others during operations against members of the Abu Sayyaf and other armed elements in Basilan and Sulu last Sunday.

"The sacrifices being made by our soldiers in the field give us a reason for a pause amid the coming merrymaking associated with the Christmas season," said Loren, a reserve colonel in the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

"While no money can fully compensate for the services and sacrifices rendered by our soldiers to the nation, it is high time that their benefits and pay scales should reviewed and revised upwards to show our country's appreciation for their work," said Loren.

The latest casualties were suffered by the armed forces in connection with their operations against Abu Sayyaf elements who had abducted social workers Milet Mendoza and Esperanza Humida. One of those wounded was Capt. Francis Vergara of the PAF's 3rd Air Division.

Meanwhile, Loren said that an investigation into the Paranaque shootout in which four civilians were killed, aside from one police officer, and five robbery suspects, should be investigated to find out if the rules of engagement were strictly complied with by the police operatives.

However, according to Loren, police should not be discouraged against going after criminal elements, especially at this time when criminality is on the supsurge.

She said that the policemen should be given more training and adequate equipment like guns, ammunition and vehicles so they would be more effective in fighting criminality.

"The PNP has been endeavoring to recruit the best and the most idealistic among our youth to join its ranks. This is something that should be supported by all Filipinos if we are to see a thoroughly professional police force."

Loren added that every organization has its rogue elements, and that the administration was continuously weed out the bad elements from the force so that it will continue to have the confidence of the Filipino people.

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