All The WOW News in Cordillera

Showing posts with label SAF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SAF. Show all posts

Friday, February 26, 2021

Battle-tested Igorot SAF Commando is new La Union PNP Director

Photo Courtesy || LUPPO * Col. Calixto

Cordillera - A battle-tested Igorot cop who is a member of the Special Action Force (SAF) has been installed as the new director of the La Union Police Provincial Office. 

P/Col. Jonathan Calixto formally took the position as the provincial director of La Union during the turnover ceremony held at the LUPPO Marangal Grandstand on February 22, 2021.

The turnover of command was administered by Police Regional Office-1 director, Brigadier General Emmanuel Peralta. 

Col. Calixto who traces his roots to Besao, Mt Province is a member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1998. 

Calixto was meritoriously promoted twice in 2004 and 2007 for bravery and heroism in several anti-terrorism and anti-criminality operations. 

READ ALSO:

 Igorot cop is Top 1 and Strongest Man Awardee of the SAF Commando Class 107-108 2019

10 years ago Calixto was the youngest battalion commander of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF.

Calixto's track records in the Police service ranges from leading anti-terrorist operation and intelligence. Calixto led the capture of one of the leader of Islamist group Jemaah Islamiyah in the southern Philippines. 

In 2005, Calixto along with his fellow Igorot PNP-SAF leader Supt. Lambert Suerte also led the assault of terrorists who held hostages at the Bicutan jail that resulted to the killing of top Abu Sayyaf leaders including Commander Robot.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Marine officer honored as Best Officer 2019 of the 23rd Marine Company

Calixto along with 10 police officers were conferred the coveted Country's Outstanding Policemen in Service by the Metrobank Foundation for his contribution to the nation's peace and stability through anti-terror campaign.

Calixto holds a degree in Criminology at the University of Baguio and holds a master's degree in Public Administration from the National College for Business and Arts. 

He also took an advance course in anti-kidnapping and crisis response at the Louisiana State Police Academy in the United States.

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Thursday, February 18, 2021

Igorot cop is Top 1 and Strongest Man Awardee of the SAF Commando Class 107-108 2019

Photo Courtesy || PNP SAF & Lloyd Depayso Binwag

Cordillera - Patrolman Lloyd Depayso Binwag was presented and honored as the Top 1 and Strongest Man Awardee of the SAF Commando Class 107-108 2019.

The graduation ceremony of the new 226 commandos was awarded by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Debold Sinas on February 5, 2021 who also served as the Guest Speaker.

Patrolman Binwag is half Tuwali and half Ibaloi from Cabarroguis town in Quirino province. 

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Quirino State University - Diffun Campus and successfully passed his Criminology Board Exam in 2018.

In the year 2018-2019, he completed his Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) from Regional Training Center 3 in Magalang Pampanga. 

READ ALSO: How to Join the Philippine Elite Special Action Force (SAF) commando

After that, he underwent training at SAF Commando because of his passion and dedication to becoming a full-blooded Special Action Force (SAF) Trooper or "Savior".

After 1 year and 2 months of intensive training in Commando, he graduated and earned a prestigious award for being the Top 1 and "Strongest Man" of his class.

Congratulations Patrolman Lloyd Depayso Binwag.

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Monday, December 30, 2019

Son of a miner from Sabangan, Mt. Province promoted One-Star PNP General

Photo Courtesy || United Montanyosa
Cordillera - Cordillerans will have another reason to be proud of as another police officer was promoted to chief superintendent which is one of the highest ranks in the Philippine National Police that is equivalent to brigadier general in the military.

Dennis Lingat Basngi, a son of former miner of Sabangan, Mt. Province joined the ranks of high ranking police and military generals after being promoted one-star PNP General on June 29, 2017.

PCSupt. Basngi was popularly known in his PNP alias as "Bangis" meaning 'ferocious' for his commitment and vigorous leadership in the field of law enforcement.

He was a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Maringal" Class of 1988 and was the sparring mate of former PNP Police Director Dela Rosa during his cadetship. 

Before joining the PMA, Basngi took his high school diploma at San Alfonso High School in Sabangan then graduated engineering at Saint Louis University in Baguio city. 

PCSupt. Basngi holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration. He received numerous awards and commendations from the Military and Police. 

He also went to Thailand and Timor Leste and acquired courses related to the police service.

The new Igorot PNP General spent his early career in the police force by volunteering in conflict-stricken parts of Mindanao. 

His excellence in the service made him the top pick to join the elite PNP SAF Special Action Force which is headed by a fellow Igorot Benjamin M. Lusad of Mt. Province.

Basngi's notable accomplishments include leading the police operation during the Zamboanga Seige in September 2013.

He was awarded the 'Medalya ng Kagitingan' for his impressive work in leading city's police office until its liberation from the armed group. 

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Tuesday, December 24, 2019

How to Join the Philippine Elite Special Action Force (SAF) commando

Cordillera - The Philippine Special Action Force or SAF is the elite unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who are responsible for securing the country from any internal and outside threats. 

As designated by the PNP, the SAF can conduct numerous mission including training, commando type unconventional warfare, search and rescue operations, counter-terrorism operation, civil disturbance management, operate rapid deployment force and many more. 

To become a SAF trooper, one must meet the following qualifications:

1. A Filipino citizen.
2. A person with Good Moral Character.
3. Physically and mentally fit.
4. Must have Eligibility, either of the following:
 - PNP Entrance Exam (NAPOLCOM)
 - Career Civil Professional
 - RA 1080 (Bar and Board Examination)
 - RA6506 (Board of Criminologist)
 - PD 907 (CS Eligibility for College Honor Graduate)
5 Must not have been Dishonorably Discharge from Military employment or dismissed for a cause from civilian position in the government.
6. Must not have been convicted of final judgement of an offense or crime involving Moral Turpitude.
7. Must be 5.4 height for male and 5.2 for female.
8. Must weight not more or less five kilograms from the standard weight corresponding to his/her height, age and sex.
9. Must not be less than 21 years old and not more than 30 years old.   

The Philippine National Police made an announcement on August that they are recruiting 5,000 troopers for the elite Special Action Force in compliance with President Duterte's order to create at least five more battalions of police commandos. 

There are currently around 7,000 SAF troopers in the country who are tasked to respond to crisis situations and counter insurgency operations. 

A new recruit SAF trooper  is expected to receive a salary of P36,000 a month plus allowances.
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Thursday, May 16, 2019

Four Cordilleran SAF commanders to be conferred 2nd highest medal of the PNP

Cordillera - Four Cordilleran commanders of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will receive Medal of Heroism "Medalya ng Kabayanihan" for their bravery and heroism during the Marawi Siege in 2017. 
The Medal of Heroism is the second highest award that can be bestowed to a member of the Philippine National Police who have shown bravery and heroism in combat. 

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano, who chaired the National Police Commission approved the conferment of the "distinguished conduct medal" to Police Col. Rex Arvin Malimban,  the overall SAF Combat group commander and four other Cordilleran police officers. 

The four Cordilleran commanders who will also receive the medal are Lt/Cols. Lambert Suerte,  Lt/Cols. Ledon Monte, Lt/Cols. Jack Echman Angog and Lt/Cols. Mario Mayames, Jr. 

Both Suerte and Monte are from Benguet province, Mayames is from Mountain Province and Angog is from Kalinga. All of them are alumni of the Philippine National Police Academy.
Current PNP Director Oscar Albayalde has recommended the conferment of the five SAF commanders through the Special Promotions, Awards and Decorations Board. 

The conferment of medal to the five officers is to honor the gallantry and heroism they demonstrated in leading the SAF commandos against armed group in Marawi.

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Friday, February 1, 2019

Heroes' Lounge for cops and soldiers now open in 24 airports nationwide

Cordillera - Traveling soldiers and Police personnel can now use a comfortable lounge in 24 different airports nationwide.

This is after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has put up Heroes' Lounge in various airports across the country as a gesture to the heroism of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the construction of the said lounge is to honor the heroism of the soldiers and the Police.

"The initiative was launched to show appreciation and gratitude to the country's military men and police officers for their sacrifices towards peace and in the defending and securing the nation from harm," the Department of Transportation said in a statement.

The Heroes' Lounge will accommodate traveling uniformed personnel, including those retired, Medal of Valor awardees, and their immediate families traveling with them.

The Lounge is furnished with comfortable seats and relaxing interiors and free WIFI connection.

Below is the list of the 24 airports that offers Heroes Lounge:

Puerto Princesa International Airport
General Santos International Airport
Zamboanga International Airport
Davao International Airport
Kalibo International Airport
Laoag International Airport
Iloilo International Airport
Butuan Airport
Laguindingan Airport
Bacolod-Silay Airport
Cotabato Airport
Tacloban Airport
Dipolog Airport
Dumaguete Airport
Legazpi Airport
Naga Airport
Pagadian Airport
Roxas Airport
San Jose Airport
Bohol-Panglao International Airport
Tuguegarao Airport
Virac Airport
Cauayan Airport
Ozamiz Airport 
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Thursday, January 24, 2019

January 25, 2019: Remembering the bravest commandos of our land: SAF 44

Cordillera - Every January 25th of the year, we remember the gallantry of the 44 fallen members of the Special Action Forces (SAF 44), 14 of whom are Cordillerans who bravely went to Mindanao and fought members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters four years ago. 
This is the day that we are all reminded of the gallantry of the 44 young men who showed courage in the line of fire. 

On January 25, 2015, members of the Special Action Force (SAF) were tasked in a police operation codenamed Oplan Exodus intended to capture or kill wanted Malaysian terrorist and other wanted persons of the BIFF. The operation lead to the death of forty-four members of the SAF including numerous people from MILF and BIFF. 

Retired police Director Benjamin Magalong said the death of the troopers did not go in vain, as their passing is a vindication for the neutralization of the most wanted person - "Marwan" and Usman.

The 14 SAF commandos from Cordillera:

PO2 Peterson Carap of Kabayan, Benguet, 
PO1 Gringo Cayang-o of Sadanga, Mountain Province,
PO2 Joel Bumidang Dulnuan of Nueva Viscaya
PO1 Angel Kodiamat of Bontoc, Mountain Province, 
PO2 Jerry Kayob of La Trinidad, Benguet, 
PO2 Nobel Kiangan of Mankayan, Benguet, 
PO3 Noel Golocan of Mankayan, Benguet and Sagada, Mountain Province, 
PO2 Walner Danao of Irisan, Baguio City, 
PSI Gednat Tabdi of La Trinidad, Benguet, 
PSI Cyrus Anniban of Balbalan, Kalinga, 
PO3 Robert Allaga of Banaue, Ifugao, 
PO2 Franklin Danao of Tinoc, Ifugao, 
PO2 Nicky De Castro Nacino Jr. of Baguio City and Aurora Province, 
PO1 Russel Bilog of Tabuk City, Kalinga and Sagada, Mountain Province 

The Office of the Presidential Spokeperson posted today in the official FB page National Day of Remembrance to the 44 SAF members.

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Friday, January 18, 2019

Cordilleran Police Chief Supt. Empiso is the new head of PNP Special Action Force (SAF)

Photo Courtesy || PNP Special Action Force Recruitment
Cordillera - The Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) welcomes its new chief, Police Chief Superintendent Amando Empiso on Monday, January 14.

He took over his new role as the head of the PNP's elite force and will oversee the daily functions and and operation of SAF such as Hostage Rescue Team, Critical Incident Response Group, RAID and Police Counter Terrorism nationwide. 

Police Chief Superindent Amando Empiso is a Cordilleran from La-Trinidad, Benguet. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy's Hinirang Class of 1987. He is a classmate of National Capitol Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Guillermo Eleazar. 

Before his new rule as SAF chief, Empiso once headed Northern Police District in August 2017 and became the chief of operations of NCRPO. 

Empiso had done a tremendous job in the police force, providing overview of the peace and order situation in Metro Manila as well as contributed his expertise in the crime-fighting campaign of the PNP. 

As a SAF chief, Empiso will be promoted to the two-star general rank of Director. He will serve as SAF chief until he reach the mandatory age of 56 on February 6, 2021.

READ ALSO:

Ibaloi PNP-SAF presented exemplary award by President Duterte

Igorot jail Inspector in Manila commended for rejecting huge bribe from high profile inmate

Ex-PNP chief Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa admitted he loves Cordillera culture and the people
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Monday, October 22, 2018

Battle-tested Igorot Police Officer from Besao promoted the highest rank of PNPA class 1998

Photo Courtesy: Sonia Habits FB
Cordillera - "It runs in the blood of Igorots to defend our land and freedom. We will fight until the last breath and die with honor in the name of service". 

These are the words from S/Supt. Jonathan Calixto who had been promoted to the rank of senior superintendent and becoming the highest ranking member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1998.


Aside from that, Calixto who is a proud son of Besao, Mountain Province was also appointed as the new head of the commander of the PNP Regional Highway Patrol Unit of Region4A on October 9, according to a local newspaper.

Prior to his current position now, 10 years ago Calixto was the youngest battalion commander of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF).
Calixto's track records in the Police service ranges from leading anti-terrorist operation and intelligence. Calixto led the capture of one of the leader of Islamist group Jemaah Islamiyah in the southern Philippines. 

In 2005 Calixto along with his fellow Igorot PNP-SAF leader Supt. Lambert Suerte also led the assault of terrorists who held hostages at the Bicutan jail that resulted to the killing of top Abu Sayyaf leaders including Commander Robot.

Calixto along with 10 police officers were conferred the coveted Country's Outstanding Policemen in Service by the Metrobank Foundation for his contribution to the nations's peace and stability through anti-terror campaign.

READ ALSO: Two Cordilleran cadets among Top 10 of PMA's 2018 graduating class

Calixto holds a degree in Criminology at the University of Baguio and holds a master's degree in Public Administration from the National College for Business and Arts. 

He also took an advance course in anti-kidnapping and crisis response at the Louisiana State Police Academy in the United States. 

You can now listen and watch us on YouTube. 


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Tuesday, January 23, 2018

"Fallen Not Forgotten" SAF 44 heroism docu film to be screened at SM Baguio on January 24.


Image Courtesy to Fallen Not Forgotten official FB page.
Baguio City - A new documentary, Fallen not Forgotten, a film tribute to the heroism of the 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police will be screened to the public in all designated movie theaters around the country on January 24, Wednesday.

Cinemas in Luzon that will screened the film to the public are the following


ROBINSON’S ILOCOS 

ROBINSON’S PAMPANGA 

SM BACOOR

SM BALIWAG
SM BAGUIO 
SM BATANGAS 
SM ROSALES 
SM CAUAYAN 
SM CLARK 
SM CABANATUAN
SM DASMA
SM LIPA
SM LUCENA 
SM NAGA




Produced by Caelistis Production, the documentary will featured reenactment of the heroic battle encountered by the 44 SAF leading in the killing of Malayasian terrorist Zulkifi Abdhir, who had a $5-million bounty from Washington.

Some of the events in the film were participated by SAF 44 survivors because they wanted to show the world what really happened, contrary to what others say that are alternative version. 

Watch the trailer of "Fallen, Not Forgotten."



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Saturday, August 26, 2017

Heroism of 3 Igorot SAF troopers recognized to serve as inspiration to fellow policemen


Baguio City, - Three Igorot cops who were members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police were given special recognition during the SAF memorial day held in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City on Friday. 

PO1 Moises Kimayong Jr. (PNP-SAF) from Ifugao Province, PO3 Alexis Mangaldan from Bangued, Abra and PO2 Tirso Mantalaba from La Trinidad, Benguet were given the traditional ringing of bells to honor their sacrifice to the country. 

Both Kimayong and Mangaldan were killed in action in Marawi City while Mantalaba died in a shootout in an anti-drug operation in Patikul, Sulu on September 24 of last year. He was a member of the 24th Special Action Company of the PNP-SAF based in Sulu. 
The gallantry displayed by these Igorot SAF troopers serves as an inspiration among the policemen to do more in the campaign against crime and illegal drugs which are being pushed by the Duterte administration. 

SAF commanders assured that full benefits and recognition from the PNP and the government will be given to the family of the SAF troopers. 

The heroism and sacrifices of these men in uniform will never be forgotten. 

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Igorot actor Jeyrick Sigmaton won Best Actor in International Film Festival Manhattan 2021

Photo Courtesy || Jeyrick Sigmaton Cordillera - Igorot actor Jeyrick "Carrotman" Sigmaton won the Best Actor for the Int...