Full police honors for slain cops in Maguindanao clash — PNP

The Philippine National Police on its 24th Founding Anniversary on January 26, 2015 led by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and PNP Officer-In-Charge Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina. (Photo by Toti Navales; PNP Facebook page)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police is now in the process of delivering the sad news to surviving family members of policemen slain in an encounter on Sunday with lawless elements in Maguindanao, Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, PNP Spokesperson said on Monday.

As a policy, the PNP withholds information about circumstances surrounding the death of a PNP member until the orphaned family has been notified.

“I extend my deepest sympathy to the orphaned families of our fallen policemen. They died a meaningful death on the side of justice and righteousness. They did not die in vain,” PNP Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Director General Leonardo A Espina said.

Despite the momentary setback of law enforcement operations against lawless elements in Mindanao, Espina expressed confidence that “justice and peace will prevail.”

Meantime, the PNP is preparing the highest police honors to be given to the slain policemen, including all benefits due to the surviving kin.

Surviving kin of slain policemen in Maguindanao encounter are entitled to receive death benefits ranging from Php1.5-million to Php2-million.

Death benefits for policemen killed in line of duty include Php250,000.00 from the President’s Social Fund; between Php141,000.00 up to P181,000.00 as Special Financial Assistance (SFA) from the PNP; burial benefits worth Php50,000.00; and Php200,000.00 gratuity from the National Police Commission.

PNP members of the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund are also entitled to death insurance ranging from Php225,000.00 to Php417,000.00 depending on rank.

These death benefits are on top of the estimated Php15,000 monthly lifetime pension from the PNP and roughly the same amount of pension for five years from the Napolcom.

On Monday, the Philippine Flag was hoisted at half-mast at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame as a sign of mourning over the loss of brothers in uniform.

As it mourned the deaths of its policemen in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, the Philippine National Police on Monday cited its 28,000 policemen for their contribution in securing the successful visit of Pope Francis to the country.

Espina and Interior and Local Government secretary Manuel Roxas II led the symbolic pinning of medals and recognition to policemen in Camp Crame during the flag raising ceremony.

The awarding coincided with the PNP’s 24th founding anniversary.

Roxas cited the PNP and other government agencies for their outstanding work with the public in ensuring a successful papal visit.

Several officers were awarded with the Medalya ng Paglilingkod Sa Santo Papa for their outstanding performance of duty during Pope Francis’ stay in the country from January 15 to 19.

The rest of the 28,000 policemen who were also deployed for security duties will also receive similar citations for their sacrifices.

“This citation will be put in your records. This is part of your recognition of your sacrifice and your efforts,” Roxas said.

The PNP has received praise for a job well done of securing Pope Francis during his stay in the country.

Policemen who secured the Pope were promised special ribbons, to be worn on their uniforms, as proof of the special honor that they served the Pope.