NAPOLCOM confirms special posthumous promotion of 5 cops in Zambo siege

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) confirmed the special posthumous meritorious promotion of five (5) police officers who were killed in action during the series of armed encounters against the members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga City from September 9 to 24, 2013.

NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta said that the Commission approved the promotion to the next higher rank of Police Inspector Jay Oy-Oyan, PO3 Murphy Abbilani, PO2 Lawin Salisa, PO2 Christopher Hernaez and PO2 Enrique Afable III following the recommendation made by the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Police Director General Alan LM Purisima, for the grant of the special posthumous promotion.

“The courage displayed by these police officers earned themselves not only the admiration of the members of the PNP but also the people they had sworn to serve. We assure the families of the slain policemen that they will receive full assistance from the Commission,” Escueta said.

Vice-Chairman Escueta added that aside from the pension, the families of the slain police officers shall be entitled to the reimbursement of burial expenses, survivorship pension for the next five (5) years, and educational assistance to their children through the NAPOLCOM scholarship program.

“I have already instructed our Regional Officials in Zamboanga City to get in touch with the families to give them basic information on the requirements, processes and procedures for the availment of the benefits,” Escueta said.

Under Section 38 (b) of RA 6975, as amended by Section 33 (b) of RA 8551, any uniformed member of the PNP who has exhibited acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry at the risk of his/her life above and beyond the call of duty shall be promoted to the next higher rank, provided, that such acts shall be validated by the Commission based on established criteria.

Escueta said that PNP members and their beneficiaries are expressly granted certain welfare benefits under the provisions of R.A. No. 6963 entitled “An Act Granting Special Financial Assistance And Benefits to the Family or Beneficiary of any Police or Military Personnel or Fireman Killed or Permanently Incapacitated while in the Performance of his Duty or By Reason of His Office or Position and for Other Purposes.”

“These benefits are administered by the NAPOLCOM pursuant to the provisions of Sections 73 and 76 of RA 6975 or the PNP Law,” Escueta said.

Article courtesy of the Philippine National Police Public Information Office.