SAF commandos who fought in Marawi to be given one-month break

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Wednesday said members of the Special Action Force (SAF) who took part in the five-month Marawi battle will be given a one-month break before returning to their duties.

"I was given the assurance of the director ng SAF na meron daw siyang enough men to cover the requirements sa ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) kasi 'yun nga, ASEAN is coming within two weeks so kung bigyan ko sila ng one month, wala sila sa ASEAN pero iniisip ko baka two weeks na lang," dela Rosa told reporters.

"The director of SAF gave me the assurance na okay lang 'yung one month. Okay na 'yon," he added.

The Philippines is hosting the 31st ASEAN Summit, which will be held from November 10-14. Security will be tightened as meetings will be held in Clark, Pampanga and in Metro Manila.

The troopers were warmly welcomed by their families and comrades-in-arms at their headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig earlier this day.

Meanwhile, Dela Rosa also vowed to recognize the security forces' heroism by giving them awards.

"We will compensate their accomplishment by giving them corresponding medals and awards," Dela Rosa said.

On October 23, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana declared an end to the clashes between government forces and Maute group in Marawi City. —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News