MANILA, Philippines–At least two congressmen urged the awarding of the highest honors to the 44 members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) killed in the mission to arrest an international terrorist in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
In a privilege speech, Pangasinan Representative and former police director Leopoldo Bataoil said the slain police commandos were only given the Bravery Medal, the fourth highest police award.
“The two SAF companies faced a whole (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) base camp reinforced by countless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, for crying out loud,” Bataoil said, adding that they deserve the highest award, the Medal of Valor.
Las Piñas Representative Mark Villar, on the other hand, filed a resolution calling for the posthumous awarding of the highest congressional honor to the slain commandos.
“The fallen members of the PNP-SAF exhibited extraordinary valor above and beyond their call of duty… Bestowing commendation and highest honor are in order for the slain members for their selfless service to our country,” read House Resolution No. 1866.
For Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., however, the military and not Congress should confer the highest award for the slain cops.
“I think the real medal is really the medal the military would give to them, not those that will come from us,” Belmonte told reporters on Wednesday.
Under Presidential Decree No. 1687, a Medal of Valor is the highest honor for a Filipino soldier “in recognition of conspicuous acts of gallantry above and beyond the call of duty and in total disregard of personal safety.”
Medal of Valor awardees are entitled to receive lifetime monthly gratuity of P20,000, based on Republic Act No. 9049.
“(This) will help them live on despite losing their breadwinner,” Bataoil said.
He added, “Let Congress be the first to answer by giving a Medal of Valor to SAF 44. It will honor our heroes. It will take care of families. It will boost the will to fight of our PNP and AFP, and make them feel that we, in government, value their service and sacrifice.”
The police commandos were sent to Mamasapano, Maguindanao, last January 25 to capture an international terrorist, but they were fired at by members of the BIFF and armed elements of the MILF 105th Base Command.
At least 44 elite cops, 18 MILF fighters and four civilians were killed.
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