(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte conferred the 42 Special Action Force troopers who were killed in the botched Mamasapano operation in 2015 with posthumous Medals of Valor on Tuesday, April 17.
Of the 44, Chief Inspector Gednat Tabdi and P02 Romeo Cempron already received their commendations during the Aquino administration.
The 44 were also given the Order of Lapu Lapu in ceremonies held in Malacanang.
“Indeed, the SAF 44 is not only a group of dedicated, capable and commendable police officers. They are also individuals worthy of emulation and admiration,” Duterte said.
The 44, also called the SAF44, were killed during an operation aimed at arresting Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin-hir alias Marwan and Basit Usman on January 25, 2015.
Marwan was killed in the operation, but the troops clashed with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the area.
Former President Benigno Aquino III, former SAF director Getulio Napenas and former Philippine National Police Chief Alan Purisima have been charged over the incident.