MANILA — Senate Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto yesterday urged the Philippine National Police to observe transparency in giving awards to the 44 slain Special Action Force (SAF) troopers.
“I am confident that the highest honors will be conferred on them because I know the PNP leadership is prompt and proactive in honoring the gallantry of their men,” he said as quoted in a Philippine Star report.
Recto said that the police commandos are considered heroes of the country and should be given proper recognition.
The statement was made following reports that two police officers were ordered to be removed from among the list of awardees.
He said that it would be unfair for the families who have lost their loved ones fighting for the country.
“This would be painful for the families, especially if they had already been notified of the awards. Posthumous na nga, postponed pa,” he said.
PNP chief Director Genaral Ricardo Marquez, however denied reports that there is an order to remove some names in the list of awardees.
“There was no order from anybody to exclude some personnel. The selection board listed 40 probable awardees. I was informed that other awards would need a longer time (for processing) and approval,” Marquez said in the same report.
“They risked their lives for the country.
It is sad that other people are using their sacrifices for their own ends,” he added.