Families of victims of ill-fated M/V Princess get financial assistance
Cebu City (3 July) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo extended her condolences to the families of the victims of the ill-fated M/V "Princess of the Stars" by handing them P10,000 cash assistance each.
After attending the 61st anniversary celebration of the Philippine Air Force at the Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, the President immediately motored to the Cebu City Disaster Action Center (CCDAC) at the Cebu City Sports Complex for the memorial Mass attended by the families and relatives of the victims.
The President was accompanied by Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia, Presidential Management Staff head Cerge Remonde, DOTC Undersecretary Marilen Bautista and acting Cebu Mayor Mike Rama.
The 55-minute memorial Mass was officiated by Monsignor Roberto Alesna.
After the Mass, she personally extended her condolences to members of the initial 30 families eligible to receive the P10,000 cash assistance each.
Among the 30 initial recipients were Andrea Torres, Leonora Abaho and Milagros Rosell. The cash assistance came from the Office of the President.
The families of the remaining 700-plus passengers will also receive the same amount as soon as their eligibility as recipients will be validated.
Last June 21, the M/V "Princess of the Stars" capsized off Sibuyan Island in Romblon when typhoon "Frank" hit the province. (PIA-MMIO) [top]
