BUTUAN CITY – At least six Army officers, 34 enlisted personnel (EPs) and two members of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) were given due recognition and awarded with financial assistance by the government.

Beneficiaries of those soldiers who were killed in action (KIA) also received P250,000 and P100,000 each, respectively.

“The amount depends on whether the death occurred before or after the death benefit was increased by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from P100,000 to P250,000,” said regional Army spokesman Maj. Mitchele B. Anayron, Jr.

The regional Army spokesman also said those wounded in action (WIA) with major injuries received P100,000.00 each, while those with minor injuries also received between P50,000 and P20,000 each.

The recognition and awarding ceremony was made at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City recently.

The ceremony was more symbolic with the presence of Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Secretary Arturo B. Carillo, who came to represent President Arroyo.

Brig. Gen. Mario F. Chan, commanding general of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division assisted Carillo in the distribution of the financial assistance and certificates to the beneficiaries.