Albayalde thanks SAF for heroism in Marawi siege, urges police to ‘gain the trust of the public’

National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday thanked the Special Action Force commandos who took part in retaking Marawi City from the IS-inspired Maute group. 

At the 35th founding anniversary of the elite police unit in Camp Bagong Diwa, Albayalde also called on members of the PNP to continue working to gain the trust of the public.

"This single accomplishment is indeed worthy forever and ever for us in the police force," Albayalde said. "Let us continue to build a better image to wholly gain the trust of the public." 

Of the 500 SAF troopers deployed to Marawi, Albayalde said  four were killed and 60 were wounded during the months-long siege against the terrorists.

As the "father of the PNP," Albayalde said it was his job to ensure that the internal cleansing of 190,000 police nationwide proceed as planned to preserve the image of the police to the public.

"Now, we are facing some trials involving credibility of some officers and personnel, but we will never falter," he said. "As the father of the PNP, it is my duty to see everything thoroughly and meticulously as we move to cleanse our ranks."

"We will not allow any officer and personnel to put the name of our organization to shame. I urge you to continue what we have started here," Albayalde added.

The illegal drug trade inside the prison system must also be eradicated to aid the police's fight against "illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption."

"SAF readily takes the challenge to make headway in the effort to totally crush the syndicates that operate within the national penitentiary," Albayalde said.

The ceremony for SAF's 35th founding anniversary was marked with a parade narrated with its history and Albayalde, along with the SAF Command Group, presenting unit awards to officials.

"To our modern day heroes, thank you very much for your service. Your sacrifices and hardships to preserve our democracy will never be forgotten. The entire PNP family will always be grateful for your heroism and gallantry," Albayalde remarked.

A museum project to commemorate the exploits of the SAF will see the PNP solicit help and donations of artifacts, pictures, and equipment from 400 SAF commanders and troopers.

The PNP will also erect a monument for the SAF 44 or the group of police officers killed during the Mamasapano incident to commemorate their "heroic deeds."

An official also announced that SAF will undertake urban anti-revolutionary training courses and other urban scenario-linked training following the Marawi siege as they rebuild their ranks to battalion size.

SAF was founded from the now-deactivated Philippine Constabulary by General Fidel V. Ramos and General Renato de Villa on May 12, 1983 and activated on May 16. — Rie Takumi/RSJ, GMA News