In a statement released Friday, the Napolcom approved the promotion after Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), made the recommendation.
It said the SAF commandos were promoted “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.”
The fatalities were part of a large SAF contingent sent to Mamasapano to arrest two high-profile terrorist targets. The covert operation, however, led to clash with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and its breakaway group the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
Interior and Secretary Mar Roxas, who chairs Napolcom, noted that although outnumbered by “a superior enemy force,” the SAF commandos “held their ground, fought up to their last breath and accomplished their mission.”
Benefits
Meanwhile, the statement also quoted Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta as saying that the legal spouses of the 28 married SAF members and a legitimate child of one trooper shall receive the following:
— 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 percent of the decedent’s basic monthly pay.
On the other hand, it said the surviving parents of 12 single SAF personnel shall receive the following:
— gratuity equivalent to one (1) year basic salary and
— burial expenses equivalent to three (3) months basic salary.
The illegitimate children of three SAF members, who were single but without surviving parents, shall receive the same benefits, it added.
The benefits will be granted under Republic Act No. 6963 or the “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.” —Amanda Fernandez/KBK, GMA News
