Celebration at Crame turns to mourning for SAF men

MANILA, Philippines - A ceremony to congratulate and commend for a job well done the policemen who secured Pope Francis during his recent visit was overshadowed by grief and mourning after 49 members of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) were killed in Maguindanao last Sunday.

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II said he had bittersweet feelings as he led the commendation ceremony for policemen involved in the papal visit, while the Philippine National Police (PNP) mourned the death of SAF men killed in the line of duty while in pursuit of a high value target.

“So it is a bittersweet moment for me to be addressing you this morning. Sweet because of the PNP Foundation Day and the PNP has much to be proud of. But bitter and sad because some of our policemen are still out there fighting,” said Roxas in his speech during the 24th founding anniversary of the PNP yesterday morning at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Roxas said they still have sketchy reports on the killing of more than 40 SAF members after the encounter with suspected members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Tukanalipao in the Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

“Right after these ceremonies, (PNP officer-in-charge) Deputy Director General Espina and I will fly to Cotabato to find out exactly what happened, and what is the situation on the ground and to assure our troops of all-out support of the government,” added Roxas, who was teary eyed as he acknowledged the sacrifices of the police officers.

Roxas led the symbolic pinning of medals and recognition for the outstanding work of the PNP together with other government agencies that resulted in the successful visit of the pope and the safety of the crowds last Jan. 15 to 19.

He said 25,000 PNP men and women participated in and ensured the success of the papal visit and they would receive a similar citation, which will be put in their records.

“Apart from it being part of your recognition of your sacrifice and your efforts, it is also symbolic of the principle of the whole PNP, whole of PNP approach,” Roxas said.

He also acknowledged the support of the Armed Forces, Coast Guard, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, other government agencies and local and barangay officials.

Espina also extended his deepest sympathy to the families of the slain SAF men.

“They died a meaningful death on the side of justice and righteousness. They did not die in vain,” Espina said.

Despite the momentary setback of law enforcement operations against lawless elements in Mindanao, Espina expressed confidence that justice and peace will prevail and justice will be served.

Death benefits 

The PNP said the relatives of the slain policemen would each receive death benefits ranging from P1.5 million to P2 million.

Death benefits for policemen killed in line of duty include P250,000 from the President’s Social Fund; between P141,000 up to P181,000 as Special Financial Assistance from the PNP; burial benefits worth P50,000; and P200,000 gratuity from the National Police Commission.

Policemen belonging to the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund are also entitled to death insurance ranging from P225,000 to P417,000 depending on rank.  – With Evelyn Macairan, Alexis Romero, John Unson