42 SAF commandos receive PNP Medal of Valor

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:

1. SPO1 VICTORIANO ACAIN
2. SPO1 Rodrigo F. Acob Jr.
3. PO3 Chum G Agabon
4. SPO1 Robert D Aliaga
5. PCINSP Cyrus Paleyan Anniban
6. SPO1 Jedz-In Abubakar Asjali
7. PO3 Noel Nebrida Balaca
8. PO3 Richelle S Baluga
9. PO3 Glenn Berecio Badua
10. PO2 Russel Bawaan Bilog
11. PO3 Godofredo Basak Cabanlet
12. PO2 Windel Llano Candano
13. PO2 Loreto Guyab Capinding
14. SPO1 Peterson I. Carap
15. PO2 Gringo C Cayang-o
16. PO2 Mark Lory O Clemencio
17. PCInsp Ryan Ballesteros Pabalinas
18. PCInsp John Garry Alcantara Erana
19. PCInsp Max Jim Ramirez Tria
20. PSInsp Joey Sacristan Gamutan
21. PSInsp Rennie Tayrus
22. SPO2 Lover L. Inocencio
23. SPO1 Virgel S. Villanueva
24. SPO1 Andres Viernes Duque Jr.
25. SPO1 Noel Onangey Golocan
26. SPO1 Junrel Narvas Kibete
27. SPO1 John Lloyd Rebammonte Sumbilla
28. PO3 Amman Misuari Esmulla
29. PO3 Roger C. Cordero
30. PO3 Nicky DC Nacino
31. PO3 Joel Bimidang Dulnuan
32. PO3 Franklin Cadap Danao
33. PO3 Walner Faustino Danao
34. PO3 Jerry Dailay Kayob
35. PO3 Noble Sungay Kiangan
36. PO3 Ephraim G. Mejia
37. PO3 Omar Agacer Nacionales
38. PO3 Rodel Eva Ramacula
39. PO3 Romeo Valles Senin I
40. PO2 Angel C. Kodiamat
41. PO2 Joseph Gumatay Sagonoy
42. PO2 Oliebeth Ligutan Viernes

Recipients of the award are entitled to a monthly stipend and other non-cash benefits for life. – eee