QC law enforcement board honors SAF officer in 2015 Mamasapano clash

The Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) on Monday honored the police officer who led members of the Special Action Force (SAF) in the operation to neutralize an international terrorist in Mamasapano, Maguindanao seven years ago.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Raymund Train was honored for his acts of “conspicuous courage and gallantry at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty during the said operation.”

“With pride and gratitude, I accept this award, not just for myself, but also to give honor to my brothers in arms who have painstakingly given the ultimate sacrifice in exchange for lasting peace to the whole Filipino people,” Train said.

“Their dedication and gallantry represents the history of our nation who has a long story of patriotism and honor. Their lives, legacy and heroism for the entire Filipino nation will remain forever etched in history,” he added.

Zulkifli Bin Hir a.k.a. “Marwan” was wanted in the United States, Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia and had a $5 million bounty on his head from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and P7.4 million from the Philippine Government.

The SAF operation led to his death but also resulted in clashes that killed 44 troopers.

“We should strive to be like Lt. Col. Train: selfless service beyond the call of duty. I am one with the Citizens of Quezon City in conferring this award to this most deserving QCitizen, Lt. Col. Train. This award is given so that his heroism will never be forgotten,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Lawyer Rafael Calinisan, Executive Officer of PLEB in Quezon City, said Train kept a low profile following the incident and it took more than a year for the PLEB to convince him to receive the award.

“Lt. Col. Train embodies what it is to be a model policeman of this generation. I am thankful that he chose PLEB as his venue to come out and be recognized," Calinisan said. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News