OUTSTANDING Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) units and officers and men this week were honored by PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. for their major contribution to the successful effort of the elite unit to keep peace and order in the country in 2022 to date.

The top cop was joined by Secretary Roman A. Felix of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Police and Military Affairs and PNP-SAF director, Major Gen. Rudolph B. Dimas, in paying tribute to the SAF units and personnel during the unit’s 40th founding anniversary.

The PNP-SAF Unit Awardees were the 10th Special Action Battalion (SAB), the 84th and 105th Special Action Company (SAC), the 841st Rapid Deployment Battalion (RPD), the Operations Management Division, and the Logistics Management Division.

Individual awardees were Colonel John Lemuel P. Vilafranca (Senior Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) for Administration); Col. Gary J. Garen (Senior PCO for Operations); Lieutenant Col. Jinkee B. Tuguic (Junior PCO of the Year); Police Executive Master Sergeant Leonardo DG Datuin (Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) of the Year); Corporal Jonas G. Remotin (Junior PNCO of the Year).

Captain Michelle M. Manongyao (Junior PNCO for Administration); Major Rudy A. Peang (Junior PCO for Operations); Police Master Sergeant Fridie Marcelino T. Kiaki (Senior PNCO for Administration); Police Staff Sgt. Justine Mae B. Haboy (Junior PNCO for Administration); Police Master Sgt. Reymar D. Morinones (Senior PNCO for Operations); Corporal John Jordan S. Garcia (Junior PNCO for Operations); and Eda Blanca Salceda as Non-Uniformed Personnel of the Year.

Acorda led the PNP-SAF anniversary celebration at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City where he, Felix, and Dimas were also joined by former PNP-SAF directors, now retired Generals Catalino S. Cuy, Leocadio SC Santiago Jr., Getulio P. Napeñas, and Noli G. Taliño.

The PNP chief acknowledged the elite commando unit’s “significant milestones and achievements” since it was established 40 years ago.

Acorda emphasized the rich history of the PNP-SAF, saying that its anniversary theme, “40 Years of Excellence and Professionalism in Serving God, Country, and People’ is truly fitting as they reflect on the significant milestones and achievements of the SAF.”

He also highlighted the SAF’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of service and staying true to its mandate in protecting the nation against terrorism, lawlessness, and insurgency.

“The SAF is the police force’s elite unit, in charge of counter-terrorism, high-risk law enforcement, and special operations. It is a challenging task that demands extraordinary courage, skill, and dedication from each SAF member. And over the years, SAF has proven to be a highly effective and efficient force in carrying out its mission. Indeed, SAF has grown to become one of the most respected and admired special force units not only in the Philippines but also around the world,” Acorda said.

The top cop also commended the gallant men and women of the SAF whose motto, “By Skills and Virtue, We Triumph,” encapsulates the values and principles guiding SAF members as they fulfill their sacred mandate.

He also acknowledged the exceptional courage, skill, and dedication exhibited by SAF personnel, honed through years of training and experience, which enable them to triumph over the most challenging situations.

Acorda, at the same time, emphasized the importance of complying with the principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) during armed conflicts when he spoke.

“As law enforcement officers, we have a duty to respect and protect human rights, even in the most challenging and dangerous situations. This means ensuring that the rights of civilians are protected at all times and that all actions are carried out in accordance with the principles of necessity, proportionality and distinction, among others. As members of SAF, it is our duty to ensure that our actions do not cause unnecessary harm to innocent civilians,” he said.

He added that the PNP-SAF is also one of the PNP units which aspire to truly provide a “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa” or unified service to the people.

“We are committed to ensuring that our operations are transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.

We recognize that our success as one police force is rooted in our ability to work hand in hand with other law enforcement agencies, the military, and the public,” he said.

“The PNP SAF’s 40th Founding Anniversary serves as a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment and dedication to safeguarding the nation and its people. As the SAF looks towards the future, their resolve remains steadfast in upholding their mission and continuing their legacy of excellence,” said Dimas.