Roxas condoles with family of fallen SAF cop from San Nicolas

SAN NICOLAS -  The family of the  fallen Philippine National Police  (PNP)-Special Action Force (SAF) cop from Pangasinan  will receive full benefits from the government, said Interior  Secretary Manuel ‘ Mar’ Roxas’  during his visit to the province on Monday.

HONOR AND SALUTE. Senior Supt. Reynaldo Biay, officer-in-charge at the Provincial Police Office (PPO) in Pangasinan, turns-over the Philippine Flage to Miya Mejia in honor of PO2 Ephraim Mejia, her husband and one of the 44 Special Action Force trooper who were slain in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, during the local hero's internment on Thursday. (photo by Roland Naoe/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

Clad in a black shirt, Roxas met with the family of PO2  Ephraim Garcia Mejia in Barangay  Calaocan  here  which include Mejia’s wife Miya and their two-year old daughter July and the cop’s parents Warlito and Helen Mejia.
Roxas said the government will grant them the death benefits which include gratuity equivalent to one year salary, monthly pension for five years equivalent to 80% of the deceased's basic monthly pay, and burial expenses equivalent to three months basic salary,
Mejia’s child will also  be given educational assistance from kindergarten to college, he said,
Roxas assured the family that that they will receive the benefits in the soonest possible time.

The Secretary handed  P50,000 from the President’s special fund to Mejia’s wife and asked her what other help  the government extend to them.
Miya said she hoped the government could help her build a house as PO2 Mejia has already purchased a lot where they plan to build their house this April.
Roxas asked Mejia’s parents of any sickness or medical condition they are suffering from as the government can extend medical assistance to them. The parents also requested the Secretary to help in the employment of their son’s widow as well as the transfer of assignment of Mejia’s brother Marco, who is in the military and his sister Ruby, a teacher  in Pasay City, to Luzon.
The Secretary said he cannot promise but will do everything he can to facilitate the requests.
Roxas personally handed out his calling card to Mejia’s widow and told her to contact him if problems arise.
“I know that these benefits will never  be enough and cannot compensate for the loss, but I hope it can somehow help,” Roxas said in his solemn talk with the family,
Meanwhile the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave initial assistance to the family in terms of food items  and has conducted a critical stress debriefing for the family,
PO2 Mejia’s interment   was scheduled today, Thursday. His remains was brought to the San  Nicolas Municipal Hall  where members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan presented a  Resolution honouring his bravery. He was laid to rest at the municipal cemetery where he was honoured with a 21-gun salute.  (VHS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)