PNP Special Action Force gets 116 new commandos

The new graduates along with Azurin, who is an honorary member of the class, were granted the authority to wear the SAF Black Beret, SAF Operational Badge, and Commando Tab during the ceremony as a symbol of belonging to the elite circle of SAF Commandos. (File Photo: Manila Police District – Parak ng Maynila/Facebook)

MANILA – A total of 116 police commandos officially joined the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) elite Special Action Force (SAF) after completing a grueling six-month training course.

The SAF Commando Class 113-2021 is also known as the ADMIRALS or Alliance of the Defender of Mother Land Imbued with Respect for the Almighty, Love Of Country, and Selfless services.

In a statement Thursday, the PNP Public Information Office said PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. graced the closing rites of the training as guest of honor and speaker at the 83rd Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Barangay Mabalodbalod, Tigaon, Camarines Sur on Nov. 21.

The new graduates along with Azurin, who is an honorary member of the class, were granted the authority to wear the SAF Black Beret, SAF Operational Badge, and Commando Tab during the ceremony as a symbol of belonging to the elite circle of SAF Commandos.

“Let me be the first to remind you that you made the right choice to join the Commando Course or any of the foundation courses of SAF. Whether commando is your end or the means to achieve your goal, earning the coveted black beret is all worth it. Commando Course has provided you with the skills, technical-know-how, realistic scenarios, fieldcraft, equipment, and leadership traits”, Azurin said during the graduation rites which were also attended by Tigaon Mayor Pamela Rinah Fuentebella and other key officials from the Police Regional Office 5 and the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

Azurin also commended the leadership of SAF director Brig. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo for his dedication and perseverance in cascading the national policy on capability enhancement through the training of SAF troopers and for making them operation-ready at all times.

“I would like also to congratulate the Police Regional Office 5, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the milestone they have achieved by dismantling 7 guerrilla fronts in the region” Azurin noted.

He called on the new members to manifest courage and discipline as members of the PNP’s elite force.

“Bagamat ang Admirals ay dumaan sa isang rigorous training, remember, we are at the mercy of orders, rules and regulations according to the law. Kayo ay inaasahan na maging disiplinado at mabuting ehemplo sa kapwa pulis at sa ating mga kababayan (Although the Admirals went through a rigorous training, remember, we are at the mercy of orders, rules and regulations according to the law. You are expected to be disciplined and a good example to both the police and our countrymen),” Azurin said.