PALO, Leyte -- The Philippine National Police regional office here vowed to facilitate the death claims of families of eight policemen who perished when super typhoon "Yolanda" struck the region four years ago.
PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director Chief Supt. Gilbert Cruz confirmed on Thursday that surviving family members have not yet received death claims since they are still underaged and not familiar on how to process the requirements.
Killed due to the super typhoon were Supt. Eugenio Gabalunos from the regional headquarters; Sr. Police Officer (SPO) 4 Rogelio Alba of Tacloban City police office; SPO4 Raym Alonzo, PO2s Adelfo Lopez, Jaffy Villegas of Leyte police provincial office, Lemuel Concrenio of Northern Samar police provincial office; and SPO4 Wilfredo Eradio Saballa, and SPO2 Gerardo Rojas of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Cruz was saddened to learn that one of the policemen was just buried near a mango tree after the storm.
“It really breaks my heart when I saw where he was buried. Only a piece of wood with his name on it was there, not even a cross or a tombstone,” Cruz said.
This situation prompted him to facilitate processing of death claim benefits.
Thousands visited mass graves, offered flowers and lighted candles on Wednesday during the 4th anniversary of the monster typhoon.
On Nov. 8, 2013, super typhoon "Yolanda" unleashed its wrath in central Philippines, killing around 6,300 people and leaving more than 4.4 million people displaced and homeless. (PNA)
