After protesting in front of government offices yesterday, more than 60 retired soldiers received pensions that had been withheld for close to a year.

The 64 Preah Sihanouk veterans gathered in front of the Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation told the Post that they were missing 10 to 12 months’ worth of pension pay, which for some is their only form of income.

Seng Sovann, director of the Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, said the veterans’ pensions were delayed because the budget was not sent to the department until January.

Sovann confirmed that most of the demonstrating retirees were given a year’s worth of pension payments yesterday.

“We have already paid [pensions] for more than 40 people. We will continue paying more tomorrow,” he said.

Tun Bunthoeun, 49, one of the protesting retirees, said that after the demonstration, he received his missing payment of just over 4 million riel ($1,005).

“I am happy to receive this salary,” he said.