Section 21. Death and Disability Benefits. — Notwithstanding any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations to the contrary, when a member of a local police force or agency is injured while in the performance of duty or contracts sickness or disease arising out of the performance of duty, absence during any period of such disability thereby occasioned, shall be on full pay, and he shall be entitled to payment of medicines, medical attendance, hospital fees, necessary transportation and subsistence. Absence in the cases enumerated above shall not be charged against vacation or sick leaves. He shall, in addition, be entitled to a lump sum gratuity of from one hundred to two thousand pesos, depending upon the merits of the case.

In addition to premiums due the Government Service Insurance System for members of the local policy agency, the proper governmental entity shall pay the premiums due for whatever group insurance policy which may be in force.

If a member is killed or dies from injuries suffered or sickness contracted in the line of duty, the surviving spouse or if there be none, dependents, or the surviving parents or brothers and sisters, shall be entitled, in addition to the foregoing benefits, to one year's salary which shall in no case be less than four thousand pesos, and burial expenses equivalent to three month's salary, which shall in no case be less than five hundred pesos.

If such member is permanently disabled as a result of injuries suffered or sickness contracted in line of duty, the city or municipal mayor shall cause the compulsory retirement of such member upon certification by the city or municipal health officer that the extent of the disability or sickness renders such member unfit or unable to further perform the duties of peace officer, in which case he shall be entitled to a gratuity equivalent to one year's salary which shall in no case be less than four thousand pesos in addition to the foregoing benefits, and to a lifetime pension equivalent to eighty per cent of his last salary.

In the event the disabled party believes that he is not totally disabled, he can appeal to the Police Commission whose decision shall be final.

All disbursements herein contemplated shall be authorized by the Commission upon recommendation of the Board of Investigators.

All compensation herein granted shall not be subject to attachment, levy, execution or any tax whatsoever, nor affect benefits received or to be received from the Government Service Insurance System. Claims under this Act shall not prescribe.