• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) has extended assistance to the family of slain Negrense soldier, PFC Rodelo Alfanza, and the injured Sgt. Ernie Dionson, who both figured in a clash with New People’s Army rebels in Tubungan, Iloilo, on Jan. 17.
Their bravery and courage were also honored by Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of 3ID.
Alfanza, a native of Barangay Bato, Sagay City, Negros Occidental, died while being treated at a hospital in Iloilo City.
The two soldiers, who belong to the 61st Infantry Battalion, were among those who engaged a group of rebels led by Nahum Camariosa, alias Bebong, in Barangay Igpaho, Tubungan.
Sison, who visited the wake of Alfanza at his fiancee’s residence in Calinog, Iloilo on Jan. 23, turned over an initial cash assistance to Elizabeth Alegre Alfanza, mother of the slain soldier, whose family also obtained financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Aside from getting burial aid, the dependents of Alfanza are also set to receive Special Financial Assistance from the Philippine Army and additional financial and other forms of support such as housing and livelihood from the Department of Justice, National Housing Authority, and Department of Trade and Industry.
His family also received financial assistance from Armed Forces of the Philippines-affiliated financial institutions.
Sison extended cash assistance to Dionson, who is confined at Camp Macario Peralta Station Hospital in Jamindan, Capiz.
He assured the family of the injured soldier that he is well taken-cared of and provided with all medical services needed for his fast recovery. | GB
