More benefits to AFP families

President Rodrigo Duterte assured members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that the administration will remain steadfast in protecting and advancing the uniformed personnel’s welfare through modernization, capacity-enhancing initiatives, and provision of benefits for their families.

The Commander-in-Chief made the remark during a thanksgiving gathering with the AFP Council of Sergeant Majors in Malacañang on Tuesday.

Mr. Duterte also expressed gratitude to the council for its dedication in boosting the morale and ensuring the welfare of the enlisted personnel of the AFP.

The President, at the same time, highlighted the council’s vital role in steering the direction and performance of the AFP’s enlisted personnel within its units.

He also acknowledged the significant contributions of the enlisted personnel of the AFP in securing the nation, upholding the rule of law, and defending the country’s democratic institutions.

Responding to concerns raised by the soldiers, he also vowed to expedite the release of the pension differentials of the retired enlisted personnel.

The government also launched the Comprehensive Social Benefits Package that will benefit police and military personnel killed or maimed in the line of duty.

The Sergeant Majors of the AFP serve as the bridge of the enlisted personnel and the Corps of Non-Commissioned Officers to the AFP Chief of Staff and the Officer Corps.

They ensure that the concerns and welfare of the troops, down to the lowest foot soldier, are known to the AFP leadership and are addressed appropriately.

Meanwhile, President Duterte assured dependents of killed-in-action soldiers and killed-in-police-operations officers (KIA-KIPO) of government assistance to attain comfortable lives.

The Chief Executive vowed support through the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP).

Under the CSBP, the dependents of KIA soldiers and KIPO officers will receive financial, employment, livelihood, educational, housing and healthcare assistance.