Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — As promised last month, President Rodrigo Duterte signs the approval to give the highest honor to members of the police’s elite force who were killed during a botched Mamasapano anti-terror raid two years ago.
Duterte signed on Wednesday the approval of the conferment of the Philippine National Police Medal of Valor (Medalya ng Kagitingan) to the remaining 42 ill-fated Special Action Force (SAF) personnel who were gunned down in the Maguindanao town, according to a Palace statement released on the same day.
Two SAF members had already been given the award last year, namely Sr. Insp. Gednat Tabdi and PO2 Romeo Cempron. The Medal of Valor is the highest award that can be given to a police officer.
It can be recalled that the President had met with the families of the slain commandos in January during a dialogue on the occasion of the raid’s second anniversary.
During the dialogue, the President underscored the importance of recognizing the heroism of not only two but all of the 44 fallen policemen.
The 42 officers were only given the PNP Distinguished Medal (Medalya ng Kabayanihan) award.
With the President’s approval, their posthumous award will be upgraded to the Medal of Valor “in recognition of their acts of conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life and limb above and beyond the call of duty.”
The 42 new awardees are as follows:
Chief Insp. Ryan Pabalinas
Chief Insp. Max Jim Tria
Chief Insp. John Garry Erana
Chief Insp. Cyrus Anniban
Sr. Insp. Joey Gamutan
Sr. Insp. Rennie Lumasag Tayrus
SPO2 Lover Ladao Inocencio
SPO1 Rodrigo Fernandez Acob Jr.
SPO1 Vrgel Serion Vllanueva
SPO1 Noel Onangey Golocan
SPO1 Andres Duque Jr.
SPO1 Junrel Kibete
SPO1 Victoriano Acain Jr.
SPO1 Robert Allaga
SPO1 Jedz-in Asjali
SPO1 John Lloyd Sumbilla
PO3 Amman Esmula
PO3 Romeo Senin II
PO3 Chum Agabon
PO3 Glenn Bedua
PO3 Richelle Baluga
PO3 Noel Balaca Jr.
PO3 Joel Dulnuan
P03 Walner Danao
PO3 Godofredo Cabanlet
PO3 Franklin Danao
PO3 Jerry Kayob
PO3 Noble Kiangan
PO3 Ephraim Mejia
PO3 Omar Nacionales
PO3 Rodel Ramacula
PO3 Roger Cordero
PO3 Peterson Indongsan Carap
PO3 Nicky de Castro Nacino Jr.
PO2 Russel Bilog
PO2 Windel Candano
PO2 Loreto Capinding II
PO2 Gringo Cayang-o
PO2 Mark Lory Clemencio
PO2 Joseph Sagonoy
PO2 Oliebeth Viernes
PO2 Angel Chocowen Kodiamat
