Duterte confers PNP Medal of Valor, Order of Lapu-Lapu to SAF 44 commandos

April 18, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday led the awarding of Philippine National Police (PNP) Medal of Valor and Order of Lapu-Lapu Magalong Medal to the members of the PNP - Special Action Force (SAF) 44 who perished during the bloody Mamasapano encounter in 2015.

“Today, we pay tribute to the gallant troopers from the Special Action Force who gave their lives in Mamasapano a few years ago,” Duterte said during the awarding ceremony held at the Heroes Hall of Malacañan Palace.

“Their extraordinary display of bravery during that fateful operation does not just qualify them to receive this highly-coveted decoration. It also makes them worthy to be called as heroes,” he added.

Duterte said the tragic death of the police officers in the hands of enemies who outnumbered them may be one of the darkest and saddest parts of the nation’s history.

“Yet, this sad episode just proved that [through their] commitment to their sworn duty to protect our nation from terror and violence, they have successfully neutralized one of the world’s most wanted terrorists,” Duterte said.

“Indeed, the SAF 44 is not only a group of dedicated, capable and commendable police officers. They are also individuals worthy of emulation and admiration,” he  said.

Duterte said the government recognizes the SAF 44’s heroism so they may inspire other men and women in uniform to also demonstrate the values of service, honor and justice in all pursuits.

Duterte assured the families of the fallen police commandos that the government is doing its best to ensure their sacrifices will not go in vain.

“To the families of our fallen troops, I join you in remembering their legacy and honoring their memory,” he said.

Duterte vowed the administration will continue to pursue welfare assistance programs such as housing projects, scholarships and employment opportunities that will benefit the families that the SAF troopers left behind.

“Most importantly, I assure you that we remain resolute in ensuring that justice—no matter how long it takes—will be served,” he said.

During Tuesday’s awarding ceremony, all of the members of SAF 44 were posthumously awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu (Magalong Medal).

The Magalong Medal is awarded to officials and personnel of the government and private individuals who have rendered extraordinary service or have made exceptional contributions to the success of an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.

Meanwhile, only 42 were conferred the PNP Medal of Valor, as the two of them --- Chief Insp Gednat Tabdi and PO2 Romeo Cempron ---  posthumously received the award during the Aquino administration.

The PNP Medal of Valor is the highest award of the PNP. The award may be given only if the enemy force is so overwhelming as compared to the government troops.

SAF 44 engaged in a nine-hour gun battle when they implemented Oplan Exodus to arrest Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Basit Usman on January 25, 2015 at Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano in Maguindanao province.

Those who posthumously received the PNP Medal of Valor and Magalong Medal were Chief Insp. Ryan Pabalinas, Chief Insp. Max Jim Tria, Insp. John Garry Erana, Chief Insp. Cyrus Anniban, Senior Insp. Joey Gamutan, Senior Insp. Rennie Lumasag Tayrus, SPO2 Lover Ladao Inocencio, SPO1 Rodrigo Fernandez Acob Jr., SPO1 Virgel Serion Villanueva, SPO1 Noel Onganey Golocan, SPO1 Andres Duque Jr.,

SPO1 Junrel Kibete, SPO1 Victoriano Acain Jr., SPO1 Robert Allaga, SPO1 Jedz-in Asjali, SPO1 John lloyd Sumbilla, PO3 Amman Esmula, PO3 Romeo Senin II, PO3 Chum Agabon, PO3 Glenn Bedua, PO3 Richelle Baluga, PO3 Noel Balaca Jr., PO3 Joel Dulnuan, PO3 Walner Danao, PO3 Godofredo Cabanlet, PO3 Franklin Danao, PO3 Jerry Kayob, PO3 Noble Kiangan, PO3 Ephraim Mejia,

PO3 Omar Nacionales PO3 Rodel Ramacula, PO3 Roger Cordero Cordero, PO3 Peterson Indongsan Carap, PO3 Nicky de Castro Nacino Jr., PO2 Russel Bilog, PO2 Windel Candano, PO2 Loreto Capinding II, PO2 Gringo Cayang-O, PO2 Mark Lory Clemencio, PO2 Joseph Sagonoy, PO2 Oliebeth Viernes, PO2 Angel Chocowen Kodiamat. DMS