DILG: SAF officers in BIFF clash all accounted for

The Philippine National Police on its 24th Founding Anniversary on January 26, 2015 led by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and PNP Officer-In-Charge Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina. (Photo by Toti Navales; PNP Facebook page)

MANILA — Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II yesterday said that a total of 392 members of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) who figured in clashes with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao are all accounted for.

Roxas said the number includes those who were killed and wounded during the clash in Mamasapano.

“Of the 392 operatives of SAF, 44 policemen were killed in action and 12 others were wounded. They are all accounted for, together with the 336 other members of the group. We have their names,” Roxas said during a press briefing at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters.

Roxas, who is also the concurrent chairman of the National Police Commission said that the families of the victims will be given proper financial assistance, adding that they will ensure the immediate release of the funds.

The department also has appointed Rolly Purungganan, PNP director for comptrollership to take charge with the coordination with the victims’ kin.

To recognize their ultimate sacrifice, policemen will be given spot promotions and will receive a medal equivalent to the military’s Gold Cross medal, according to PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina.