23/01/2024
MEDAL OF VALOR
The Philippine National Police will bestow the highest award of the PNP Medal of Valor (Medalya ng Kagitingan) to 42 members of the PNP Special Action Force who were killed in action in the infamous Mamasapano encounter in 2015 where 44 police commandos died in a police operation against two wanted international terrorist bombers.
In a letter to DILG Secretary Ismael D. Sueno on February 8, Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea affirmed President Rodrigo R Duterte’s approval to upgrade the PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal (Medalya ng Kabayanihan) earlier awarded to the 42 slain SAF troopers, to the PNP Medal of Valor.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, the PNP is thankful for this due recognition of the gallantry and heroism of the Gallant 44,” PNP Spokesperson, Dionardo B Carlos said.
“They are fallen, but they are not forgotten. The supreme sacrifice they offered in Mamasapano on that fateful day of January 25, 2015, during their finest hour, will be forever etched in Philippine history as a shining moment of the police service.” Carlos added.
Two SAF commandos, Police Senior Inspector Gednat Tabdi and PO2 Romeo Cempron who were among the revered Gallant 44 were awarded the posthumous Medal of Valor during the 25th PNP Founding Anniversary rites in Camp Crame coinciding with the first death anniversary of the SAF 44.
During that same ceremony in 2016, the 42 SAF troopers were bestowed the posthumous award of the PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal, the second highest award for heroism and gallantry in action.
A Medal of Valor awardee is entitled to a lifetime monthly gratuity of Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00). This gratuity is separate and distinct from any salary or pension which the awardee is currently receiving or will receive from the government of the Philippines.
Children of Medal of Valor awardees are also entitled to educational benefits and admission to the PNP Academy.
The PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management is currently processing the administrative requirements and preparing appropriate ceremonies for conferment of the Medal of Valor award to the 42 SAF troopers, namely:
PSInsp Ryan Ballesteros Pabalinas
PSInsp John Garry Alcantara Erana
PSInsp Max Jim Ramirez Tria
PSInsp Cyrus Paleyan Anniban
PInsp Joey Sacristan Gamutan
PInsp Rennie Tayrus
SPO1 Lover L. Inocencio
PO3 Rodrigo F. Acob Jr.
PO3 Virgel S. Villanueva
PO3 Andres Viernes Duque Jr.
PO3 Vitoriano Nacion Acain
PO3 Noel Onangey Golocan
PO3 Junrel Narvas Kibete
PO3 Jed-In Abubakar Asjali
PO3 Robert Dommolog Aliaga
PO3 John Lloyd Rebammonte Sumbilla
PO2 Amman Misuari Esmulla
PO2 Peterson I. Carap
PO2 Roger C. Cordero
PO2 Nicky DC Nacino Jr.
PO2 Glenn Berecio Badua
PO2 Chum Goc-Ong Agabon
PO2 Richelle Salangan Baluga
PO2 Noel Nebrida Balaca
PO2 Joel Bimidang Dulnuan
PO2 Godofredo Basak Cabanlet
PO2 Franklin Cadap Danao
PO2 Walner Faustino Danao
PO2 Jerry Dailay Kayob
PO2 Noble Sungay Kiangan
PO2 Ephraim G. Mejia
PO2 Omar Agacer Nacionales
PO2 Rodel Eva Ramacula
PO2 Romeo Valles Senin II
PO1 Russel Bawaan Bilog
PO1 Angel C. Kodiamat
PO1 Windell Llano Candano
PO1 Loreto Guyab Capinding
PO1 Gr**go Charag Cayang-o
PO1 Mark Lory Orloque Clemencio
PO1 Joseph Gumatay Sagonoy
PO1 Oliebeth Ligutan Viernes
