PNP chief Bato leads deployment of new SAF contingent to Bilibid

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Tuesday presided over the  turnover of command for the new batch of Special Action Force personnel manning the New Bilibid Prison.

About 350 to 400 SAF troopers were at the ceremony to replace their colleagues who have been guarding the NBP’s maximum compound and Building 14, which houses several high-profile inmates in its detention cells, for the past six months.

PNP chief Dela Rosa now at NBP for the turnover ceremony for new batch of SAF troopers @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/jPhU5DLCbZ

— Amita O. Legaspi (@amitalegaspi) February 6, 2018

“We will have a turnover ceremony doon sa Bilibid, relieve natin ‘yung isang battalion doon, papalitan ng bagong battalion,” Dela Rosa said.

The deployment of SAF officers in Bilibid started in July 2016. They are tasked to guard the compound and help the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) stop illegal activities inside.

Marawi veteran

In his speech, SAF chief Director Noli Taliño congratulated the outgoing troopers led by Superintendent Darwin Padla for successfully doing their job.

“This unit carried out its mission as we took over the facility successfully,” he said.

He said the incoming troopers will be led by a Marawi veteran, Chief Inspector Christopher Mendoza.

Taliño said the task of a battalion commander is enormous as it demands the highest degree of professionalism and there should be no room for inaccuracy especially that the troops will be mingling with hardcore criminals.

He challenged the troopers to just focus on their task and be firm.

“Ang sindikato ay gagawin ang lahat para sirain ang prinsipyo at pagkatao ninyo pero ang benepisyo doon ay temporary lang, one time,” he said.

“Ngunit ang benepisyo na nakukuha natin bilang pulis gaya ng salary increase ay pangmatagalan, lifetime,” he added. — RSJ, GMA News