President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strikes his signature pose with the kin of the 44 fallen troops of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) who were posthumously awarded with the Order of Lapu-Lapu Magalong Medal and the PNP Medal of Valor at the Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace on April 17, 2018. REY BANIQUET/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
President Rodrigo Duterte awarded on Tuesday the Philippine National Police’s Medal of Valor to 42 of the 44 Special Action Force commandos who were killed in the Mamasapano encounter in 2015.
“It comes late but better late than never,” the President said during the conferment ceremony in Malacañang.
Two of them already posthumously received the award during the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III.
Aside from the Medal of Valor, the officers were also awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu or the Magalong Medal.
“The extraordinary display of bravery during the faithful just does not qualify them to receive the highly coveted decoration, it makes them worthy to be called as heroes,” the President said.
The PNP Medal of Valor is the highest award of the PNP given to any member of the PNP who delivered an act of bravery and self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty.
Meanwhile, the Magalong Medal is awarded to government officials and personnel and private individuals who have rendered extraordinary service or contributions to the success of a campaign or advocacy of the president. — UNTV News & Rescue
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