Medal of Valor eyed for 30 SAF survivors

The Philippine National Police Special Action Forces carry the flag-draped coffins of their comrades upon arrival from the southern Philippines Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 at Villamor Air Base in Pasay, Philippines. AP FILE PHOTO

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is mulling the awarding of the Medal of Valor, the highest military honor, to 30 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos who survived the Jan. 25 clash with rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Recommended to receive the top recognition were 29 members of the 84th Special Action Company and PO2 Christopher Lalan, the lone survivor from the 55th SAC.

PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Bartolome Tobias said the recommendation came from the SAF headquarters.

The PNP’s Special Promotion, Awards and Decorations Board (SPADB) led by Director Christopher Laxa is holding marathon sessions to review and evaluate the recommendations for the Medal of Valor.

“The recommendation is being processed now. We have to identify each individual’s participation in combat,” Tobias said in a press briefing in Camp Crame on Friday.

A Medal of Valor awardee is entitled to a lifetime monthly gratuity of P20,000, which is apart from any salary or pension he may receive from the government.

It may be recalled that the 44 slain SAF troopers were posthumously promoted and were awarded the Medal of Bravery for their heroism.