THE world-class Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) is embarking on a massive training and modernization program as it continues to be the country’s Tagaligtas’ 40 years after its establishment, the Journal Group learned yesterday.

Now headed by Major General Rudolph B. Dimas, the PNP-SAF last week marked its 40th founding anniversary earning it congratulations from the Department of Interior and Local Government and PNP leadership.

DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ C. Abalos Jr. said that the PNP-SAF has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate its commitment to its motto ‘By Skill and Virtue, We Triumph’ and thus count on the elite unit to set the bar of excellence in helping keep peace and order across the country with full dedication.

PNP chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. commended the PNP-SAF for being the cornerstone of the force, providing a specialized and elite police force capable of responding to high-risk situations that require precision, skill and courage.

“Your tireless efforts and sacrifices have made a significant impact in maintaining peace and order and upholding the rule of law,” the top cop told officers and men of the elite unit.

Gen. Acorda likewise said that the country must not forget the sacrifices of SAF commandos specifically the Gallant 44 who have offered their lives in the line of duty,

He referred to the 44 brave SAF troopers who were killed in a mission to neutralize Southeast Asia’s most wanted terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias ‘Marwan’ in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

Memories of the gallantry displayed by the Gallant 44 will be forever etched in Philippine history, the PNP chief said.

Gen. Acorda said that PNP-SAF commandos are worthy to be called ‘Tagaligtas’ for their heroism and valor have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

He also called on the PNP-SAF to continue to work together as one towards a peaceful and secured nation where everybody feels safe to encourage more investors for economic stability.

Maj. Gen. Dimas, a member of PNP Academy ‘Tagapagpatupad’ Class of 1992 expressed his deep appreciation to all of his men’s edication, sacrifice and loyalty to the organization.

“You are the backbone of the Unit nd your unwavering commitment to our mission has made us one of the best law enforcement units in the world,” he said.

As the primary maneuver force of the PNP tasked to ensure internal security thru its counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, the PNP-SAF in 2022 conducted 175 combat operations and patrol operations that led in the arrest of 17 rebels and the surrender of 227 former New People’s Army members.

The unit also seized 68 explosive devices, 88 assorted firearms, 21 magazines, 217 rounds of assorted live ammunition and dismantled four enemy camps.

It also launched 24 combat operations which resulted in the neutralization of 16 terrorists, the arrest of 10 Abu Sayyaf members and the surrender of 46 others while confiscating 23 IEDs, 33 various firearms, 28 magazines and 625 rounds of different live ammunition.

The PNP-SAF also provided support to different PNP units who conducted law enforcement operations last year. It recorded 186 operations that led in the neutralization of four wanted persons, the arrest of 590 wanted men and the surrender of four others.

SAF commandos likewise recovered 30 explosive devices, 138 assorted firearms, 196 magazines, 7,137 rounds of different live ammunition, 70 plastic sachets containing suspected shabu valued at nearly P5.3 million and two motorcycles.

Last year, the PNP-SAF launched its Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay or R-PSB program to help the police force further win the ‘hearts and minds’ of the people especially those living in so-called Geographically Isolated and Disadvantageous Areas in the country.

The program has attracted big support from local government units, other government agencies and stakeholders who have provided the SAF with logistical support to help alleviate the plight of the ‘poorest of the poor.’

The SAF’s R-PSB program has enabled the unit to build small roads, homes, school buildings, potable water system, multi-purpose halls, bridges and stairs, places of worship and even homes for the needy.

The SAF program which was started by Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan O. Okubo, now the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director has earned the support of thousands of people specifically indigenous people living in the countryside and who are known for being targeted for mass recruitment by the NPA.

Maj. Gen. Dimas said they are continuing the R-PSB program wherein battle-hardened SAF commandos go to far-flung barangays in the country to listen to the grievances of the people and be of help to them.

The PNP-SAF has been partnering with different government agencies and stakeholders to build small schools, farm-to-market roads, bridges and stairs, potable water system, churches and other places of worship and even homes for the needy.

Gen. Acorda, joined by Secretary Roman A. Felix of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Police and Military Affairs, honored outstanding PNP-SAF units and officers and men 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 PNP-SAF Unit Awardees were the 10th Special Action Battalion, the 84th and 105th Special Action Company, the 841st Rapid Deployment Battalion, 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 Ms. Eda Blanca Salceda as Non-Uniformed Personnel of the Year.

Gen. Acorda led the PNP-SAF anniversary celebration at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City where he, Sec. Felix and Maj. Gen. 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.

Gen. 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,” Gen. Acorda said.

The top cop also commended the gallant men and women of the SAF whose motto ‘By Skills and Virtue, We Triumph”, according to him, encapsulate the values and principles that guide 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.

Gen. 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 Maj. Gen. Dimas.