PNPA Maragtas class valedictorian set to join SAF

Police Cadet Fritz John Napalinga Vallador of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental. PHOTO FROM PNP/PTV

CAMP CASTAÑEDA, Silang, Cavite —The “probinsyano” valedictorian of this year’s Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) graduates will be joining the police’s so-called cream of the crop – the elite Special Action Force (SAF).

Upon graduation, Cadet Fritz John Napalinga Vallador would train for the SAF as ordered by PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, according to his guardian, Nelia Diocares.

“After this (graduation), may order na kaagad si Gen. Dela Rosa na kailangan na niya mag-train sa SAF,” Diocares told the media in an interview.

Vallador topped the 106 cadets of the PNPA Maragtas Class of 2018. “Maragtas” stands for Magiting at Responsableng Alagad ng Batas na Gagabay sa Transpormasyong Alay sa Bayang Sinilangan.

He would receive the Presidential Kampilan Award and Plaque Merit from President Rodrigo Duterte, and another Kampilan Award from Dela Rosa during Wednesday’s commencement ceremony here.

The 24-year-old valedictorian was born and raised in Negros Occidental by his relatives and Diocares. He has never met his father and grew far from his mother, Anna Marie, who worked as domestic helper in Spain.

Vallador’s mother was not able to attend his graduation since she was not allowed by his employer to go home to the Philippines.

Instead, Diocares, his guardian and mother’s bestfriend, would go up the stage to bestow him his medal.

Diocares said she saw how Vallador changed from being an indecisive young man before entering the PNPA to becoming a determined cadet.

“Ngayon, buo na ‘yung desisyon niya. Matatag na siya,” she said. (Now he can decide for himself. He’s already firm and resolute.)

She also issued this message for Vallador: “We are proud of you and salamat (thank you), you make us proud. Andiyan ka na, ikaw na yan (You made it, make it good).”                        /kga