5 police heroes in Zamboanga siege given posthumous recognition

MANILA, Philippines–The National Police Commission confirmed on Tuesday the posthumous recognition conferred by the Philippine National Police to five “police heroes” killed during the armed conflict between the government forces and Moro rebels in Zamboanga city last September 2013.

Upon the recommendation of PNP chief Alan Purisima in October last year, the police commission has finally approved the promotion of Police Inspector Jay Oy-Oyan, Police Officer 3 Murphy Abbilani, Police Officer 2 Lawin Salisa, Police Officer 2 Christopher Hernaez and Police Officer 2 Enrique Afable III to the next higher rank.

“The courage displayed by these police officers earned themselves not only the admiration of the members of the PNP but also the people they had sworn to serve. We assure the families of the slain policemen that they will receive full assistance from the Commission,” Executive Officer Eduardo Escueta, Napolcom Vice Chairman, said.

More than 200 people were killed in the three-week Zamboanga siege, which erupted after the Moro National Liberation Front hoisted a flag and occupied a village there to declare the independence of the Bangsamoro Republik from the Philippines.

Aside from the pension, he said the families of the slain police officers are entitled to reimburse burial expenses and will be granted “survivorship pension” for the next five years, as well as educational assistance to their children through the scholarship program of Napolcom.

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP Public Information Office, said in a previous Philippine Daily Inquirer report that the families will receive P15,000 monthly lifetime pensions from the PNP and about the same amount from the Napolcom for five years.

“I have already instructed our Regional Officials in Zamboanga City to get in touch with the families to give them basic information on the requirements, processes and procedures for the availment of the benefits,” Escueta said.

The posthumous promotion given to the fallen policemen is compliant to Section 33 of Republic Act 8551, or the act establishing the PNP under a reorganized DILG, saying, “any uniformed member of the PNP who has exhibited acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry at the risk of his/her life above and beyond the call of duty shall be promoted to the next higher rank, provided, that such acts shall be validated by the Commission based on established criteria.”

“These benefits are administered by the Napolcom pursuant to the provisions of Sections 73 and 76 of RA 6975 or the PNP Law,” Escueta added.

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5 cops slain in Zamboanga siege get posthumous promotion