FORT BONIFACIO, TAGUIG – Pampanga Gov. Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda on Monday paid respects to a Kapampangan member of the Philippine Marines who was killed during the gunfight between government forces and members of the Maute group and some foreign terrorists.
The governor along with husband Rodolfo Pineda and Chief Insp Michael Masangkay visited the wake of 1Lt. John Frederick Sagmit Savellano, one of the 13 Marines killed in action in Marawi City a few days ago.
Gov. Pineda personally conveyed her condolences and extended financial assistance to the bereaved family of Savellano.
The lieutenant’s mother, Mercy Sagmit Savellano, expressed her gratitude to the governor and to everyone who has expressed support to their family.
“My family would like to thank everyone for supporting us not only through the various assistance extended to us but also to the emotional assistance that they are giving,” said Mercy, whose family is from Minalin, Pampanga.
Mercy said she is proud of what her son did for the country.
“I would prefer that you congratulate me for having a son who gave up his life for his country and his people,” Mercy said.
Savellano, 29, led the team that recovered more than P70 million in cash and checks from the Maute lair in Barangay Mapandi in Marawi City.
Meanwhile, the remains of Savellano are currently at the memorial chapel of the Marines Headquarters.
Mercy said they plan to move her son’s remains to St. Peter Memorial Chapel in Quezon City on Wednesday. Interment will be on Saturday.
Since the clashes in Marawi City started on May 22, 58 government troops have been killed in action.