President Duterte Open To Honoring All 44 SAF Commandos With Medal Of Valor
President Rodrigo Duterte said he is open to giving Medal of
Valor for all the 44 SAF commandos who perished in Mamasapano encounter almost
two years ago as their relatives clamor for such recognition.
Speaking before the families of the SAF44 in Malacanan on
Tuesday, January 24, the President said that he would direct PNP Chief Police
Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to make an assessment based on
previous investigations if the SAF commandos could be given the highest
military honor.
Only two SAF commandos were given such award during the
administration of former President Benigno Aquino III.
“So I am asking Dela Rosa and you guys, Lito, study the
matter very carefully and look that up. You know, if it’s sauce for the gander,
it’s also sauce for the goose,” the President said.
“Walang pinipili. Patay kung patay. So look into it, I’m
directing you now and give me the result within, probably at the end of the
month. And if you think as a soldier that the 44 deserve the Valor, then
recommend it and I would give it to them. All of the soldiers, the 44,” he
added.
Dela Rosa should just look at the records and need not do
another investigation since there are previous inquiries done after the
Mamasapano incident, he said.
At the same time, President Duterte said he would create a
commission composed of seven, similar to the Agrava Commission that investigated
the assassination of the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr.
“I will appoint men of integrity and honor and kung
tanggapin nila, then I will choose mostly the justices of the Supreme Court,
maybe a few from the civilian sector, maybe a lawyer,” the President said.
During the dialogue with the President, the families said
they were still seeking justice, two years after the bloody Mamasapano
encounter.
They were asking the government to fulfill its promises such
as the grant of livelihood, scholarships for the SAF commandos children, the
award of Medal of Valor and declaration for a national commemoration day for
the gallant police troopers.
President Duterte said he would approve having a day of
remembering the gallantry of the SAF 44.
There were 10 families from Luzon and Visayas who joined the
President during Tuesday’s dialogue. Fourteen families came from Baguio City,
and 15 families from Mindanao.
President Duterte Open To Honoring All 44 SAF Commandos With Medal Of Valor
Reviewed by Yen
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January 28, 2017
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