Three years after they were killed in a bloody clash with Moro rebels in Maguindanao, the remaining 42 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) who have yet to receive the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) highest honor received the award posthumously from President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday.
The surviving kin of the SAF commandos received the Medal of Valor or Medalya ng Kagitingan in a Malacañang ceremony attended by officials from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police led by DILG officer-in-charge, Secretary Eduardo M. Año, and PNP Chief, Director General Ronald “Bato” M. Dela Rosa.
Forty-four SAF troopers were killed in the police operation against Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Abdhir, also known as Marwan, in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.
Two of the officers – Chief Insp. Gednat Tabdi and Police Officer (PO) 3 Romeo Cempron – earlier received the same award in 2016 from former President Benigno Aquino III.
The PNP Medal of Valor is the highest award given to a police officer for acts of “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life and limb above and beyond the call of duty.”
“To qualify for the award, a member of the PNP must perform in action a deed of personal bravery and self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty so conspicuous as to distinguish himself clearly above his comrades in the performance of more than ordinary hazardous service,” PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. John C. Bulalacao explained.
The following received the award on Tuesday:
- SPO1 VICTORIANO ACAIN
- SPO1 Rodrigo F. Acob Jr.
- PO3 Chum G Agabon
- SPO1 Robert D Aliaga
- PCINSP Cyrus Paleyan Anniban
- SPO1 Jedz-In Abubakar Asjali
- PO3 Noel Nebrida Balaca
- PO3 Richelle S Baluga
- PO3 Glenn Berecio Badua
- PO2 Russel Bawaan Bilog
- PO3 Godofredo Basak Cabanlet
- PO2 Windel Llano Candano
- PO2 Loreto Guyab Capinding
- SPO1 Peterson I. Carap
- PO2 Gringo C Cayang-o
- PO2 Mark Lory O Clemencio
- PCInsp Ryan Ballesteros Pabalinas
- PCInsp John Garry Alcantara Erana
- PCInsp Max Jim Ramirez Tria
- PSInsp Joey Sacristan Gamutan
- PSInsp Rennie Tayrus
- SPO2 Lover L. Inocencio
- SPO1 Virgel S. Villanueva
- SPO1 Andres Viernes Duque Jr.
- SPO1 Noel Onangey Golocan
- SPO1 Junrel Narvas Kibete
- SPO1 John Lloyd Rebammonte Sumbilla
- PO3 Amman Misuari Esmulla
- PO3 Roger C. Cordero
- PO3 Nicky DC Nacino
- PO3 Joel Bimidang Dulnuan
- PO3 Franklin Cadap Danao
- PO3 Walner Faustino Danao
- PO3 Jerry Dailay Kayob
- PO3 Noble Sungay Kiangan
- PO3 Ephraim G. Mejia
- PO3 Omar Agacer Nacionales
- PO3 Rodel Eva Ramacula
- PO3 Romeo Valles Senin I
- PO2 Angel C. Kodiamat
- PO2 Joseph Gumatay Sagonoy
- PO2 Oliebeth Ligutan Viernes
Recipients of the award are entitled to a monthly stipend and other non-cash benefits for life. – eee