Dili, December 15, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Ministry of Combatants and National Liberation Affairs (MAKLN) today began the first payments to a total of 15,697 registered combatants and martyrs’ families, according to records from 2009. The activity took place at the MAKLN office in Comoro, Dili.
The Minister of Combatants and National Liberation Affairs (MAKLN), Gil da Costa Monteiro, also known as “Oan Soru,” stated that today marks the first day of pension payments to 15,697 veterans. He also acknowledged that some issues in the process have prevented people from receiving payments sooner, but these will be resolved in due course.
“Today is the first day of the payment process, but we have seen that many people are confused and facing difficulties because this is the very first day, and there are still some unresolved issues. However, we will regularize the situation for those affected so that children, grandchildren, and other eligible family members can benefit. We are aware of those who are entitled to receive pensions among the 15,697, and in due time we will address any pending issues,” said Minister Gil da Costa Monteiro.
The Minister also informed the public that payments to combatants and martyrs’ families will not happen only today, but will continue throughout December.
“Today I concluded consultations with the Data Management Director to ensure that we can serve around 700 people per day, which means we can complete payments for all 15,697 recipients soon,” stated the Minister.
He further emphasized that the Ministry will continue to provide information to all veterans and martyrs’ families who are eligible to receive survivor pensions, special reform pensions, and subsistence allowances, in order to maintain discipline and ensure that benefits are properly delivered.
Veteran representative Julia de Carvalho, also known as “Kakehe,” expressed her happiness at receiving the payment today, even though the process conditions were not ideal. She stated that it is now possible to receive the funds at local municipal offices.
“I am very happy because today is an important opportunity for all of us who struggled during the fight for this land. Many of us came to this location to receive our entitlements even though some people still faced difficulties, but in the end, we were able to receive the payments,” said Julia de Carvalho, veteran representative.
She added that despite some difficulties in service delivery due to the large number of recipients, those who first submitted their documents in 2009 are now able to receive payments, even if some documentation was incomplete, thanks to ongoing efforts to find solutions.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano