NAPOLCOM confirms special posthumous promotion of SAF 44

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) confirmed the special posthumous meritorious promotion of the 44 personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) for demonstrating acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in action at the risk of their lives over and beyond the call of duty that resulted in their untimely death during an armed encounter with more than 700 lawless elements/Southern Philippines Terrorist on January 25, 2014 at Brgy. Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

This was announced by DILG Secretary and NAPOLCOM Chairman Mar Roxas after the Commission approved the promotion to the next higher rank of Police Senior Inspector Ryan B. Pabalinas and 43 others following the recommendation made by PNP Officer-In-Charge, Police Deputy Director General Leonardo A. Espina, for the grant of the special posthumous promotion.

Roxas said that the 44 operating personnel were members of the 55th and 84th Special Action Company, SAF that served the warrants of arrest against Zulkifli Bin Hir a.k.a. Marwan and Basit Usman. Although outnumbered by a superior enemy force, they held their ground, fought up to their last breath and accomplished their mission.

“The courage displayed by these valiant police officers earned themselves not only the admiration of the members of the PNP but also of the people they had sworn to serve. We assure the families of the slain policemen that they will receive full assistance from the Commission the soonest possible time,” Roxas said.

Under Section 38 (b) of RA 6975, as amended by Section 33 (b) of RA 8551, any uniformed member of the PNP who has exhibited acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry at the risk of his/her life above and beyond the call of duty shall be promoted to the next higher rank, provided, that such acts shall be validated by the Commission based on established criteria.

NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta said that the legal spouses of the 28 married SAF members shall receive gratuity equivalent to one (1) year basic salary, burial expenses equivalent to three (3) months basic salary, and monthly pension for five (5) years equivalent to 80% of the decedent’s basic monthly pay. The minor legitimate child of one (1) SAF member shall likewise receive the aforementioned benefits.

The surviving parents of 12 single SAF personnel shall receive gratuity equivalent to one (1) year basic salary and burial expenses equivalent to three (3) months basic salary. The illegitimate children of three (3) SAF members, who were single but without surviving parents, shall likewise receive the same benefits.

Escueta said that PNP members and their beneficiaries are expressly granted certain welfare benefits under the provisions of R.A. No. 6963 entitled “An Act Granting Special Financial Assistance And Benefits to the Family or Beneficiary of any Police or Military Personnel or Fireman Killed or Permanently Incapacitated while in the Performance of his Duty or By Reason of His Office or Position and for Other Purposes.”

The Commission recently issued Memorandum Circular No. 2015-001 which increases the tuition fees and miscellaneous expenses granted to legitimate children of deceased or permanently incapacitated police personnel. (NaPolCom)