Bro. Eli Soriano donates P8.3-M monetary assistance to kin of soldiers and cops killed in Marawi siege

“I want to give them P50, 000 each. I know it’s just a small amount, but when you combine it all, it’s a huge amount. It’s a small way to tell the soldiers that, ‘We need you and we are grateful to every one of you.’ ”

These were the promises of Bro. Eli Soriano of the members, Church of God International during the benefit concert of UNTV, the Songs for Heroes 3: Bayani ng Marawi.

A month after, Bro. Eli made good on his promise to provide financial assistance to the families of the soldiers and policemen who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Last Saturday, humanitarian broadcaster, Kuya Daniel Razon visited the AFP Western Mindanao Command or WesMinCom headquarters in Zamboanga City to personally hand the donation.

Present during the ceremonial turnover were WesMinCom Commander Lt/Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., and Police Regional Office 9 Director PC/Supt. Billy Beltran.

Bro. Eli donated a total amount of P8.3-million for the relatives of the 169 government troops killed in the Marawi City clashes.

“P6-million was given to the AFP, while P2-M to the PNP. I said, if it were only me, I would like to be there, to personally hand over the aid so you could feel that we understand what you feel, and your situation,” said Bro. Eli Soriano.

Each family received P50,000 for their livelihood start-up.

“Although our husbands are already gone, there are some who really give us financial assistance.  It really matters a lot to us and we are really happy. Thank you so much. We are calmed by the Bible verses that Bro. Eli shares with us. We are reminded of the facts of life and that God will always take care of us even though our husbands are now gone,” beneficiary Manilyn Solar said.

“We are very thankful to Brother Eli Soriano, that although there are many of us, he is still ready to help us from his heart,” beneficiary Myra Dayoc said.

Kuya Daniel, meanwhile, assured that help will continue to pour in not just to the families of soldiers and policemen killed in battle, but also to the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police.

From the time we started up to now, we continue to provide assistance. We are even part of the medical missions they are conducting,” Kuya Daniel Razon said.

Bro. Eli even offered more than livelihood assistance.

“We have a school where everything is for free… you might want your children to study there in our college. We also have various services that are for free. We are doing this with the belief in the word of Jesus Christ that we should do good to all people,” he said.

“On behalf of the Western Mindanao Command and also from the officers and men, sailors, soldiers, marines and airmen and policemen and policemen who fought at the Marawi siege thank you very much for the love and gesture of kindness and compassion being given by Brother Eli Soriano and also by Kuya Daniel Razon the Armed Forces of the Philippines will always be grateful to you,” Lt/Gen. Galvez said. – Robie de Guzman | UNTV News & Rescue