Dili, January 19, 2026 (Media Democracia) – The Ministry for Veterans’ Affairs (MAKLN) held a press conference to declare that funds already transferred to the individual bank accounts of veterans’ beneficiaries will not be returned to the state treasury, as they constitute the legitimate rights of veterans and martyrs. The conference took place at the MAKLN Cabinet meeting room in Comoro.
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Gil da Costa Monteiro “Oan Soru,” urged veteran fathers and mothers and the families of martyrs to remain disciplined and to follow the established schedule. He emphasized that there is no need to rush or push each other out of concern that late collection might cause the funds to be forfeited, as technical teams will continue to provide services to beneficiaries.
“We continue to inform fathers and mothers that funds already transferred to your bank accounts will not be lost and will not be returned to the state treasury. Even if you come, feel tired, and decide to return home and come back later, our teams will continue to serve you because this is your right. Some elderly beneficiaries choose to sleep and wait nearby to access services more easily. We understand this, as some are advanced in age and some families have no accommodation in Dili, so they decide to wait. All of this is due to circumstances, and we believe the situation will improve in the future,” said the Minister.
The Minister further explained that, according to proper procedures, the withdrawal of funds must first go through the technical staff of the National Directorate for Pensions and Subsidies (DNPS) in order to update beneficiaries’ current physical status, which will allow for better monitoring in the future. In the past, there were many shortcomings that led to allegations of “fake veterans,” as some individuals falsified documents to receive veterans’ benefits.
“As Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, I always defend that veterans are not fake. However, there are people who falsify documents to become veterans. If veterans were fake, then the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (RDTL) itself would be fake. I always say to the public that veterans are not fake; people are the ones who falsify documents to become veterans. This is my response to the public, and I know it is the correct one,” the Minister stated.
The Minister confirmed that a total of 15,697 beneficiaries are eligible to receive payments under the first phase of veterans’ pension payments. These combatants come from the second registration conducted in 2009, as announced in the official list published by MAKLN and the Council of Combatants of National Liberation (CCLN) on 15 January 2025.
According to data on the progress of payment voucher issuance, technical teams have issued 8,679 vouchers from 15 December 2025 to January 2026. However, the process is not yet complete, as veteran parents continue to arrive, and the number is expected to increase as services continue until all beneficiaries are served.
Reporting: Nelfiano
Photo: MAKLN Media