‘P-Noy has always recognized SAF 44’
The Aquino administration reiterated it has not been remiss in its responsibilities to the 44 slain Special Action Force commandos as the SAF honored its fallen troopers in the annual memorial day yesterday.
President Aquino had taken the opportunity to pay tribute to the heroism and bravery of the SAF 44 following the Jan. 25 police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office said.
More than half a year after the Mamasapano incident, allegations of neglect for the SAF 44 continue to hound the Aquino government.
“The President did not wait long to recognize what they had done for the country. The administration did everything that was needed to be done to address the needs of their families,” Coloma said.
The SAF honored yesterday its 51 fallen troopers, with the majority involved in “Oplan Exodus” in Mamasapano, at the SAF headquarters at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
Coloma said the families of the SAF 44 were given livelihood assistance, permanent jobs, housing and scholarship grants.
“The government continues to pursue justice for the SAF 44 by holding those behind their killings responsible,” he said.
He clarified that the Office of the President was not involved in the process of selecting police officers who were given honors during the 114th anniversary of the police service on Friday.
Coloma made the statement amid reports that slain SAF member PO2 Romeo Cempron and survivor Supt. Raymund Train were not awarded the Medal of Valor and PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal, respectively, upon orders of Malacañang.
Philippine National Police spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor explained that while the SAF 44 were meant to receive honors for gallantry in action, the PNP committee tasked to evaluate their performance failed to finish its deliberations in time for the event at Camp Crame on Friday.
Aquino, the keynote speaker, was assisted by Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II in presenting the awards to outstanding police units and personnel in recognition of their outstanding service and exemplary performance.
Coloma echoed the PNP’s explanation that the evaluation process for police awardees is a lengthy process.
When asked why Aquino did not mention the SAF 44 in his speech during the police service anniversary, Coloma said, “The President had acknowledged their sacrifi ces in many speeches in the past.”
Awards for cops
PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez ordered a review of the guidelines in giving awards to fallen and wounded police officers in the line of duty.
Marquez said there is a need to revise the basis for giving recognitions to police officers with exemplary performance.
“We have to review the existing parameters, which serve as guide in giving awards to brave men and women in the police force,” he said during the memorial day for fallen SAF troopers.
Marquez’s move came amid criticism that two SAF members were removed from the list of awardees during the celebration of the 114th anniversary of the police service at Camp Crame on Friday.
The PNP chief clarified there was no order from Malacanang to exclude some PNP personnel from the awarding ceremony.
“The selection board listed 40 awardees. I was informed that the heroism and other awards needed longer time to finalize or approve,” he said.
Marquez, however, admitted that the delay in resolving the issue would add to the pain of the families and relatives of the SAF 44.
Based on a National Police Commission (Napolcom) circular, Marquez said a police offi cer should present at least two witnesses of his or her heroic act before he or she could be given an award.
Marquez admitted the circular apparently did not recognize a situation similar to the case of the SAF 44, who were massacred in a police operation to capture terrorists in Mamasapano.
“If the matter is not within the authority of the PNP, I will bring it up to the Napolcom,” he said. “That’s the least I could do for the widows and orphans of the SAF 44.”
He said he would ask the Napolcom executive committee to expedite the process.
He added he was saddened by the fact that some individuals are using the issue of the SAF 44 for their own political advantage.
Marquez was apparently referring to Vice President Jejomar Binay, who took a swipe at the Aquino administration for allegedly ignoring the plight of the SAF 44.
Wearing the SAF uniform and black beret, Marquez attended the event along with SAF chief Director Moro Virgilio Lazo and other key PNP officials.
One of the highlights of the event was the wreath-laying ceremony for the fallen SAF commandos.
The families and friends of the SAF 44 also attended the memorial ceremony.
–