After a year, government recognizes heroism of SAF 44

Exactly a year after the Mamasapano clash, the 44 slain Special Action Force troopers and survivors of the bloodbath received the medals they have long waited for.

President Benigno Aquino himself handed the awards to the families of the “SAF 44” in a ceremony at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame on Monday morning.

PO2 Romeo Cempron and Chief Inspector Gednat Tabdi were posthumously awared the Medal of Valor — the highest medal the PNP confers to a police officer for his bravery.

Christine Cempron and Leah Mefranum-Tabdi with son Gael accepted the award for Cempron and Tabdi, respectively.

Currently being awarded are the 42 members of SAF with the second highest PNP award, the Distinguished Conduct Medal or the Medalya ng Kabayanihan.

Meanwhile, survivor Supt. Raymund Train will also receive the Distinguished Conduct Medal in a private ceremony to be led by Aquino.

Other officers who survived the deadly clash with the Moro rebels will receive the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting.

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