PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday approved the conferment of the highest military honor on 42 police commandos who died during the Mamasapano clash in 2015.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea wrote Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno of Duterte’s approval of the recommendation to confer Medals of Valor-Posthumous on the 42 Special Action Force members who were not recognized by the Aquino administration.
Two of the SAF 44—Chief Inspector Gednat G. Tabdi and Police Officer 2 Romeo Cempron—recognized during the Aquino administration.
The other police commandos who will receive the posthumous award are:
Chief Inspector Ryan Pabalinas, Chief Inspector Max Jim Tria, Chief Inspector John Garry Erana, Chief Inspector Cyrus Anniban, Inspector Joey Gamutan, Inspector Rennie Tayrus,
Senior Police Officer 3 Lover Inocencio, SPO1 Rodrigo Acob Jr., SPO1 Virgel Villanueva, SPO1 Noel 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, PO3 Walner Danao, PO3 Godofredo Cabanlet,
PO3 Franklin Danao, PO3 Jerry Kayob, PO3 Nobel Kiangan, PO3 Ephraim Mejia, PO3 Omar Nacionales, PO3 Rodel Ramacula, PO3 Roger Cordero, PO3 Peterson Carap,
PO3 Nicky 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 and PO2 Angel Kodiamat.
The widows of Medal of Valor awardees are entitled to a lifetime monthly pension of P20,000 in addition to whatever pension they are already receiving plus other special incentives and privileges.
Among the benefits already received by the families of the 44 SAF troopers from the Napolcom were a one-rank posthumous promotion, gratuity and pension for their families and scholarships for their children.