Special Action Force
Special Action Force | |
---|---|
Special Action Force Official Insignia | |
Active | May 16, 1983 - Present |
Country | Philippines |
Allegiance | Republic of the Philippines |
Branch | |
Type | Special Forces |
Role | Domestic Counter-Terrorism and Law Enforcement, Raids, Commando-type Unconventional Warfare |
Size | Classified |
Part of | Philippine National Police |
Garrison/HQ |
(Main) - Fort Sto. Domingo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna (Camp) - Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig, Metro Manila |
Nickname(s) | SAF, Tagaligtas (Saviors) |
Motto(s) | "By skill and virtue, we triumph"[1] |
Colors | Black berets - SAF beret |
Anniversaries | 16 May |
Engagements |
Anti-guerrilla and terrorist operations against: |
Decorations |
Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Police Director Moro Virgilio Lazo |
Notable commanders | See Commanders Section |
Insignia | |
PNP SAF Badge |
The Special Action Force is the National Mobile Unit of the Philippine National Police founded by Fidel V. Ramos. It is formed along the lines of the British Army (SAS) Special Air Service, but with different recruitment and selection procedures.[2][3] The SAF, over the years, has received training from the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) and Critical Incident Response Group, RAID and YAMAM.[2][3] The Anti-Terrorist Unit (ATU) of the PNP-SAF is responsible for nationwide Police Counter-terrorism (CT) operations nationwide.
Members or Police trainees who undergo SAF training undergo several special military combat related training such as Explosives and Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Basic Airborne Course training, Urban Counter Revolutionary Warfare (SURESHOCK), SCUBA-BUSROC (Basic Under-Water Search and Rescue Operations Course) and Unconventional Warfare (COMMANDO course).[4][5][6]
SAF members who are distributed either regionally or within Metro Manila are furthermore assigned to SRU or SWAT training units and PNP SCOUT training units. SAF operators are trained at their camp at Fort Sto. Domingo[7] with its Air Unit stationed at the PNP Hangar in Pasay City.[1]
The SAF has an official magazine known as "Tagaligtas".[8]
History
Created on May 12, 1983 by the former Philippine Constabulary as the Philippine Constabulary Special Action Force[9] as a requirement of General Order 323 of Philippine Constabulary Headquarters, Fidel Ramos and Renato de Villa were the founders of the unit. De Villa asked Col. Rosendo Ferrer and Gen. Sonny Razon to organize a Special Action Force.[10] After which, a training program called the SAF Ranger Course, was used to train the 1st generation of SAF operators, which had a number of 149 operatives.[11] Out of them, 26 were known commissioned officers with the others being enlisted personnel from a wide range of PC units such as the defunct PC Brigade, the Long Range Patrol Battalion (LRP), the K-9 Support Company, PC Special Organized Group, the Light Reaction Unit (LRU) of PC METROCOM, the Constabulary Off-shore Action Command (COSAC) and other PC Units.[11] Later on, they changed the name of the course to the SAF Commando Course.[11]
Initially formed to battle against NPA and former MNLF guerillas in the late 1980s and early 1990s, their tasks have been expanded to battle against organized criminal groups, terrorists, guerrillas and common criminals.
During the days of the EDSA Revolution, Fidel Ramos was involved in planning an operation called "Exercise Ligtas Isla" (Exercise Save Island) in case either Imelda Marcos or Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Fabian Ver would take over ruling from Ferdinand Marcos, who had been ill during the last few days of the Revolution.[11] When Corazon Aquino became president, the SAF was mandated to be on standby due to the number of coup attempts by rogue Philippine soldiers.[12]
In January 29, 1991, President Aquino signed Republic Act 6975 into law, which changed the name of the SAF from the PC-SAF to the PNP-SAF as a part of transition of government.[12]
Following recent changes, the SAF will move to a permanent camp at Barangay Pinugay, Baras, Rizal under Proclamation No. 1355 passed on August 2007[13] from their camp in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.[14]
For the first time, SAF operators are involved in the Balikatan exercises in 2009 since American and Filipino troops are usually involved.[15]
On July 20, 2016, a battalion of SAF men taking over the duties to manned the New Bilibid Prison, particularly in the Maximum Security Compound where the bigtime drug lords currently in prison. They will took over the job, formerly for the guards deployed by the Bureau of Corrections.
SAF's Known operations
- February 1986: EDSA Mutiny.
- 1986–1989: Had conducted anti-coup operations against anti-government rebels from the Philippine military.[16]
- Late 1980s–1990s: First deployed to battle against NPA and MNLF rebels.
- May 1987 - Then PC-SAF, under Major Avelino Razon Jr, the unit was deployed in Ifugao to conduct operations against the CPP-NPA.
- 1987 - PC-SAF (2SAC & 4SAC) deployed in Negros Island and conducted successful operations against the NPA's and effected the surrender of considerable numbers of the New People's Army operating in Negros Oriental. The two special action companies, 2SAC and 4SAC were led by then 1LT Taliño (2SAC) and (4SAC)1LT Josephus Angan and 1LT Ramon Mateo Dizon, now a Brig General and the current PSG Commander under President Benigno Aquino III.
- 1992 - newly created 4SAB under PSupt Abraham Garcillano and PCI Emmanuel Caeg was placed attached with Western Police District to assist in neutralizing criminal elements involved in robbery/hold-up of banks and pawnshops, including armored cars. 1SAC, 4SAB led by PInsp Adriatico del Camat and PInsp Bernard Banac was deployed in Ermita, Manila; while, 2SAC, 4SAB led by PInsp Constancio Item and PInsp Bernardo Rosario was deployed in Sampaloc, Manila.
- 1993 - 3SAB was deployed in Basilan to go after notorious bandits and KFR groups.
- March 15, 1993 - a small team of SAF Troopers led by PInsp Clemente Vargas and PInsp Bernardo Rosario recovered the NPA killing fields in Brgy Kalabigan Hills, Marag Valley, Luna, Kalinga-Apayao
- 1994 - 1SAB led by PCInsp Agner Ontog, 2SAB led by PCInsp Jaime Calungsud, and Special Operations Battalion (SOB) Deep Reconnaissance Company (DEER) led by PInsp Bernard Banac and PInsp Rodolfo Castil Jr (Cav) replaced the 3SAB under PCInsp Bai Layon in Basilan with primary function to restore peace and order and conduct operation against Abu Sayyaf.
1994 - PSupt Samson Tucay, Commander of the Special Operations Battalion (SOB) sent the Light Armor Coy ("Bubuyog" LAC) led by PInsp Bernardo Rosario (Cav) and PInsp Ramil Montilla (Cav) to Zamboanga and Basilan to provide fire support to SAF units under the Mindanao Police Task Force (MPTF).
- 1994 - PInsp Joseph Plaza and PInsp Parena were among those to head the SAF Training Group in Basilan to conduct the Special Action Force Operations Course (SAFOC).
- October 1994 – two teams from 2SAB under PInsp Cesar Pasiwen and PInsp Cris Mendoza neutralized Commander Arabain in Tuburan Basilan.
- October 1994 - 1SAB was redeployed in Region 12 with its Battalion HQ at Sultan Kudarat.
- October 1994 – 1SAC, 1SAB under then PInsp Willy Cayat backed by 2SAC under PInsp Tellio Ngis-o successfully took over the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation project from Muslim Rebel Group led by Commander Damskie. Then PInsp Victor Arevalo and other PNCOs were wounded. A bomb technician expert who was recovering/disarming anti-personnel mines was killed by a sniper fire.
- December 1994 - 2SAC led by then PInsp Ngis-o with Junior Officers PInsp Argel Ancheta, PInsp Jech Abecia, PInsp Chito Bersaluna, PInsp Kirby John Kraft, PInsp Ricardo Javier, PInsp Jacob Macabali, PInsp James Cristobal Coy Ex-O and PInsp Joel Limson COP of Carmen Cotabato with the support from 3SAC, successfully liberated the barangays of Tupig and Tonganon, Carmen, North Cotabato from the control of Muslim Rebel Group that occupied the said barangays after they were displaced from Malitubog-Maridagao Dam. Police Officers Ycoy and Pellobello who were of Blocking Force were killed in the said operations. The 2SAC, 1SAB was awarded as Best Operating Company by the Regional Police Office 12 (PRO12).
- June 1995: 1SAB, 2SAB, 3SAB,4SAB, SOB DEER Coy led by PInsp Banac and PInsp Castil, and SOB "Bubuyog" LAC led by PInsp Rosario and PInsp Montilla were deployed in Negros island as primary component of Negros Island Police Task Force.
- September 1996: 3SAB under then PCInsp Roman Felix was redeployed in SBMA-Bataan area to conduct clearing operations as part of security preparation for APEC.
- 31st Coy of 3rd Battalion was attached to PA 24th IB under then Maj Emmanuel Bautista to conduct joint combat raids in the town of Balanga. Orion Bataan and nearby area. It has been transferred to Mauban Quezon to support the Local Police Unit in the area.
- March 1995 the RECON COY under then PSI RONALD SANTOS were deployed to Nueva Ecija for election duty and was responsible for many accomplishment to name a few,the arrest of then mayor joson and his thirteen bodyguards who were responsible in the killing of late mayor PEREZ a political opponent of the josons.
- In 1997 the RECON COY under then PSI WILLY CAYAT was deployed in Davao Del Norte at Mount Diwalwal to restore peace and order and conduct police operation with regard to the in-coming explosive components, the miners used in their operation of mining gold in mount diwalwal.
- 1SAB under then PSUPT Benjamin Magalong were figured in numerous special operations such as raids on high-profile lawless elements and hostage rescue operations in cooperation with Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF). Its Counter-Terrorist Unit was figure in series of raids against New People's Army that resulted in neutralization of some of its leaders.
- July 27, 2003: SAF EOD experts deployed during the Oakwood Mutiny.[17]
- August 25, 2003: Several SAF units were deployed in Makati after heavily armed bank robbers attacked the headquarters of Citibank Philippines.
- September 23, 2003: A joint raid by the SAF, the CIDG, the Intelligence Group (IG), the Traffic Management Group, the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), the Army Intelligence and Security Group (AISG) and the Marines assaulted Palar Village in Taguig, netting a bank robbery gang made up of ex-AFP soldiers believed to be responsible for the Citibank Philippines robbery.[18]
- September 28, 2003: Protection for US President George Bush during his visit to the Philippines.
- October 2, 2003: Arrest of Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist, Taofek Refke.[9]
- March 10, 2004: SAF teams engaged NPA guerrillas in a gunfight alongside soldiers of the Philippine Army's 24th Infantry Battalion Sitio Caarosipan, Barangay Apostol, San Felipe town. 8 NPA guerillas were confirmed killed. A single SAF officer was killed on the spot with 3 injured.
- April 28, 2004: Arrest of Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the Muslim community in Culiat, Quezon City.
- March 18, 2004: SAF Commando Class 27 composed the 24th company of 2nd Battalion were deployed in North Cotabato (Buliok Complex) as requested by Governor Pinol to serve as a peace negotiator between the government and the MILF rebels and also served as security during the 2004 presidential election in the province of north cotabato.
- May 31, 2004: Protection of ballot boxes used in the May 10, 2004 presidential elections.
- June 11, 2004: SAF teams deployed in a resettlement area in Taguig, Rizal province after reports of snipers were made to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
- June 20, 2004: A SAF officer was killed when the SAF and the Provincial Mobile Group engaged an NPA squad in a gunfight in Zambales province.
- July 17, 2004: A group of phone hackers, consisting of Filipino and foreign nationals, were arrested in a raid conducted by the SAF.
- July 28, 2004: Provided security for ex-Abu Sayyaf hostage Gracia Burnham, who testified against the terrorist group in a local courthouse.
- September 27, 2004: SAF teams deployed in the Cordillera in order to disarm various Partisan Armed Group (PAG) gunmen in the employ of several local prominent politicians.
- January 30, 2005: Arrest of various kidnap-for-ransom gang members in Batangas City
- February 10, 2005: A bank robbery gang was arrested during a raid in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
- March 15, 2005: SAF and PNP SWAT teams raided the Metro Manila Rehabilitation Center of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City after it was captured by Abu Sayyaf inmates. Among those killed were Alhamser Limbong alias Commander Kosovo, Ghalib Andang alias Commander Robot; Nadzmi Sabdullah alias Commander Global; and Sadit Abdul Ganit Husim alias Commander Lando.[19] For a short time, various human rights group in the Philippines and abroad have accused the SAF of police brutality and were convinced that the PNP really wanted to kill them at the start of the crisis. PNP officials have denied all charges.[20] Various foreign groups abroad (possibly other special ops units) have praised the SAF for bringing a quick end to the 30-hour crisis. This was one of the SAF's publicly known operations to be on the headlines on newspapers and on TV news reports worldwide, especially on CNN. PO1 (Police Officer 1) Abel P. Arreola was the only SAF operative killed during the attack.[21]
- February 17, 2006: SAF units are deployed in Southern Leyte as part of a humanitarian contingent of the PNP.
- February 21, 2006: SAF units patrol grounds of Malacañan Palace after an explosion occurred in the grounds of the Palace, said to be from a trash can.
- February 24, 2006: SAF units on red alert after coup attempt was discovered.
- October 9, 2006: SAF units deployed in Negros Occidental after New People's Army rebels attacked the Silay City airport.[22]
- January 11–14, 2007: SAF units had been present in Cebu during the 12th ASEAN summit in Metro Cebu.
- October 26, 2007: Senior Inspector Fermar Ordiz, a PNP SAF operative was shot and killed by robbers in Cubao, Quezon City during a shootout despite wearing a kevlar vest.[23]
- November 29, 2007: SAF involved in the Manila Peninsula rebellion after several SAF officers had arrested renegade soldiers, including Brigadier General Danilo Lim.[24] Earlier, the SAF had been summoned in to barricade The Peninsula Manila.[25]
- June 13, 2007: Police Officer 2 Marlon Buslig, a PNP SAF operative was shot and killed by Abu Sayyaf firces in Indanan, Sulu during a combat operation despite wearing a kevlar vest.
- Various anti-insurgent operations against the NPA.
- Various anti-terrorist operations against the Abu Sayyaf.
- December 5, 2008 - ten suspected criminals, one policeman, and five civilians, a total of sixteen people, including a seven-year-old girl, were killed in a bloody shootout in Parañaque.
- 26–30 September 2009 – Heroic Acts of Special Action Force 61ST Calamity Assistance Rescue Recovery Relief and Emergency (CARE) Company of Force Support Battalion (FSB) under the leadership of PCINSP BYRON T TABERNILLA, on that unsought day the SAF Troopers of CARE manifested through actions their battle cry and mission statement "MAGHANAP-SUMAGIP-MAGLIGTAS". A huge number of people hit by Typhoon Ketsana, locally named as "ONDOY", were rescued around Metropolitan Manila, specially in Marikina City. Among those rescued in Provident Village in Marikina were actress Christine Reyes and actor Richard Gutierrez.
- April 20, 2010 - 4 members of the PNP-Special Action Force were killed during an ambush by the New People's Army in Antipolo City, Rizal. 5 other policemen were wounded.[26]
- May 27, 2013 - 8 members of the PNP-Special Action Force were killed, 7 others were wounded during an ambush perpetrated by the New People's Army in Allacapan, Cagayan.[27][28]
- January 25, 2015 – 44 members of the PNP-Special Action Force were killed by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, while 12 other police officers were wounded in action. The incident saw one of the highest fatality counts among Philippine government forces in a single peacetime operation.[29]
Structure
As of 2013, the SAF's command structure consist of the following:[12]
- Headquarters
- Combat Support Unit
- Recon Battalion
- 3 Special Action Force Battatlions
Functions
As designated by the Philippine National Police, the missions of the Special Action Force are the following:[11][30]
- To develop, organise and train organic personnel in the furtherance of the assigned mission.
- To conduct Counter-Terrorist operation in urban and rural areas.
- To conduct commando type unconventional warfare (CUW) against lawless elements over extended periods of time with minimal direction and control.
- To conduct search and rescue operations anywhere in the country during calamities and catastrophes.
- To conduct civil disturbance management (CDM) operations and address the requirements of stability and security operations in times of civil disobedience on a national scale.
- To operate as a rapid deployment force ready and capable to strike anytime and anywhere in the country in support of other units and other agencies as higher headquarters may direct.
- To perform other tasks as the Chief PNP may direct.
- To maintain a reasonable degree of law and order in the national highways and major thoroughfares
Equipment
Pistols
Picture | Model | Origin | Type | Caliber | Version | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Glock 17 | Austria | Semi-Automatic Pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | Gen 4 | Standard-issue pistol of the Philippine National Police since 2013.[31][32] | |
Beretta 92 | Italy | Semi-Automatic Pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | 92F | Standard-issue pistol of the Philippine National Police. | |
M1911 pistol[33] | United States / Philippines | Semi-Automatic Pistol | .45 ACP | M1911 | Former standard-issue pistol of the Philippine National Police, sourced from US EDA and new Philippine-made units.[33] US-made variants mostly handed-over from the Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police. | |
Submachine Guns
Picture | Model | Origin | Type | Caliber | Version | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KRISS Vector | United States | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | Vector SMG 9mm | PNP to acquire 743 units, several for issue to PNP-SAF.[34] | ||
FERFRANS SCW | United States | Submachine gun | 5.56×45mm | SCW 7 | Previously known as PDW. | ||
Heckler & Koch UMP | Germany | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum .45 ACP | UMP-9 UMP-45 | [34] | ||
FN P90 | Belgium | Submachine gun | FN 5.7×28mm | P90 | Acquired in limited numbers.[35] | ||
Heckler & Koch MP5 | Germany / Pakistan | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | MP5A3 MP5A5 MP5K | Several sourced from Pakistan[36] | ||
Uzi | Israel | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | Uzi SMG | Replaced by the H&K MP5 but still in reserves. | ||
Shotguns
Picture | Model | Origin | Type | Caliber | Version | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Benelli M4 Super 90 | Italy | Shotgun | 12 Gauge | M1014 | ||
Mossberg 500 | United States | Shotgun | 12 Gauge | |||
Remington Model 870 | United States | Shotgun | 12 Gauge | |||
Rifles & Carbines
Picture | Model | Origin | Type | Caliber | Version | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colt M16 | United States / Philippines | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm | M16A1 | Current standard issue rifle, either made by Colt USA or Elisco Tool (Elitool) Philippines. 30,000 units were handed-over to the PNP on-loan from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, several are with the PNP-SAF. | |
Colt Commando | United States / Philippines | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm | M733 M653 M653P | Either made by Colt USA or Elisco Tool (Elitool) Philippines. | |
GIAT FAMAS | France | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm | FAMAS G2 | Acquired in limited numbers in the late 1990s. | |
IMI Galil | Israel | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm | Galil AR Galil SAR | Formerly from the Philippine Constabulary. | |
M14 rifle | United States | Battle rifle | 7.62×51mm | M14 | In service as standard battle rifle. Several units will be undergoing repair and upgrade with the Government Arsenal. | |
M1 Garand | United States | Semi-automatic rifle | .30-06 Springfield | M1 | Used for training purposes only.[33] | |
M4 carbine | United States / Philippines | Carbine | 5.56×45mm | Colt M4A1 FERFRANS M4A1 | Colt M4A1s acquired from the US. FERFRANS refurbished almost 1,000 units of unserviceable Colt-Elitool M16A1 to specialized M4 standard.[34] Several were distributed to the PNP-SAF. | |
FERFRANS SOAR | United States | Carbine | 5.56×45mm | SOAR 11 SOAR 14 SOAR-P 11 SOAR-P 14 | Similar to the M4 carbine, developed by FERFRANS using patented components and US-made parts, including a reduced rate of fire and use of a 1:9 twist barrel instead of the usual 1:7 twist on standard M4. SOAR 11 uses a 11.5" barrel, while SOAR 14 uses a 14.5" barrel. SOAR-P is a piston version of the rifle. | |
Designated Marksman & Sniper Rifles
Picture | Model | Origin | Type | Caliber | Version | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FERFRANS SOACR | United States | Designated marksman rifle | 7.62×51mm | DMR SOACR 18" | Earlier models were called FERFRANS DMR. | ||
FERFRANS SOPMOD M14 EBR | United States | Designated marksman rifle | 7.62×51mm | SOPMOD M14 EBR 18.5" SOPMOD M14 EBR 22" | Built by FERFRANS from existing M14 rifles using Sage International M14/M1A EBR Tactical Stock System aluminum chassis but with an M4 buttstock, delivered in 2008. | ||
IMI Galil Sniper | Israel | Designated marksman rifle / Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle | 7.62×51mm | Galil Sniper | In limited numbers. | ||
Knight's Armaments SR-25 | United States | Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle | 7.62×51mm | Mk.11 Mod.0 | |||
Heckler & Koch PSG1 | Germany | Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle | 7.62×51mm | PSG-1 | Limited numbers in service. | ||
Savage 10FP | United States | Sniper Rifle | .308 Winchester | FERFRANS TSR FERFRANS TSR2 | 111 units acquired by the PNP, several went to PNP-SAF. Acquired as the FERFRANS TSR & TSR2 system, using the Savage 10FCP base unit with modifications and features added by FERFRANS.[31][37][38] | ||
Barrett M82 | United States | Anti-Materiel/Heavy Special Applications Scoped Rifle | .50 BMG | M82A1 | M82A1 in service since the early 1990s. M107A1 were acquired within Horizon 2 phase. | ||
Machine Guns
Picture | Model | Origin | Type | Caliber | Version | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FERFRANS HVLAR | United States | Light machine gun | 5.56×45mm | HVLAR | Standard squad automatic weapon. | |
FN Minimi | Belgium | Light machine gun | 5.56×45mm | Minimi Para | Standard squad automatic weapon. | |
CIS Ultimax 100 | Singapore | Light machine gun | 5.56×45mm | Mark 3 | ||
M60 | United States | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm | M60E3 M60E4 | Standard general purpose machine gun. | |
M240 | United States | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm | M240B | Standard general purpose machine gun. | |
Vektor SS-77 | South Africa | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm | SS-77 | Acquired in limited numbers, mostly mounted on armed vehicles. | |
M2 Browning | United States | Heavy machine gun | .50 BMG | M2HB | Tripod and vehicle/boat-mounted. | |
Grenade Launchers and Assault Weapons
Picture | Model | Origin | Type | Caliber | Version | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M203 | United States | Grenade launcher | 40mm | M203 M203A1 | Attached to M4/M4A1 (M203A1) and M16A1 (M203). | |
M79 | United States | Grenade launcher | 40mm | M79 | Also used for non-lethal ammunition for crowd dispersal. | |
CIS 40 AGL | Singapore | Automatic Grenade launcher | 40mm | 40 AGL | Mounted on Land Rover Defender utility vehicles | |
M67 | United States | Recoilless rifle | 90mm | M67 | In service[39] | |
Armored Vehicles
Picture | Model | Origin | Type | Version | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cadillac Gage Commando 4x4 | United States | Armoured personnel carrier | V-150 | 28 reportedly in inventory, although the number of active vehicles might be less.[40] | |
CTK Armored Vehicle | Philippines | Armoured personnel carrier | 6W Urban | Several in PNP-SAF inventory. Based on locally developed bank armored vehicles. Only used on urban operations. | |
HMMWV | United States | Armoured personnel carrier | M1114 | Several in PNP-SAF inventory, donated by US JSOG-P units. | |
Aircraft
The PNP's Air Unit is attached to the Special Action Force.
Picture | Model | Origin | Type | Version | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil | France | Light utility helicopter | AS350 | 3 in service.[41] | |
Robinson R44 | United States | Light utility helicopter | R44 Raven II | 3 acquired in 2008-2009,[41] 1 crashed in 2010. | |
MBB Bo 105 | Germany / Philippines | Light utility helicopter | BO-105C | 2 in inventory, probably inactive.[41] Assembled locally by PADC. | |
Support
The SAF could call on the support of the PNP and its own Air Unit as its method of transportation via helicopter, as done under General Order 0405,[9] or via vehicles such as the M998 Humvee, mounted with a Browning M2 machine gun on top, modified Ford F-150s, and the V-150 Commando APC as a form of armed support. Land Rover Defender jeeps are also used by the SAF, modified to house a Browning M2 machine gun and a Vektor SS-77 machine gun on the passenger seat for the former. Various helicopters in service with the SAF's Air Unit are tasked with various duties, from transportation to surveillance and reconnaissance.
New armored vehicles similar to those used by banks were introduced to the SAF as a primary means of armored transportation in urban areas, and some models are used as mobile command posts.
Commanders
The list are the directors who had commanded the SAF.[42]
NAME | RANK | TERM |
---|---|---|
Fidel Valdez, Ramos | Major General | May 09, 1983 Inauguration & Founder |
Reynaldo Velasco | Lieutenant Colonel | May 16, 1983 - February 13, 1987 |
Avelino I. Razon Jr. | Major | February 14, 1987 - August 1, 1989 |
Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. | Police Chief Superintendent | August 2, 1989 - February 11, 1991 |
Enrique T. Bulan | Police Chief Superintendent | February 12, 1991 - March 8, 1992 |
Dictador L. Alqueza | Police Chief Superintendent | March 8, 1992 - June 5, 1992 |
Recaredo A. Sarmiento III | Police Chief Superintendent | June 6, 1992 - August 2, 1994 |
Edgar B. Aglipay | Police Chief Superintendent | August 2, 1994 - June 6, 1996 |
Marcelo E. Navarro Jr | Police Chief Superintendent | June 16, 1996 - August 23, 1998 |
Jose O. Dalumpines | Police Chief Superintendent | August 14, 1998 - February 14, 2001 |
Rogelio B. Bathan | Police Chief Superintendent | February 14, 2001 - September 13, 2002 |
Servando M. Hizon | Police Chief Superintendent | September 14, 2002 - December 27, 2003 |
Silverio D. Alarcio Jr. | Police Chief Superintendent | December 27, 2003 - September 8, 2004 |
Marcelino F. Franco Jr. | Police Chief Superintendent | September 9, 2004 - February 26, 2006 |
Silverio D. Alarcio Jr. | Police Chief Superintendent | February 26, 2006 - May 18, 2006 |
Leocadio SC Santiago Jr. | Police Director | March 2007 - 2010 |
Enrico D Limlengco Jr | Police Senior Inspector | December 02, 2011 |
Catalino S. Cuy | Police Director | 2011 - June 2012 |
Getulio P. Napeñas | Police Director | December 11, 2013 - January 27, 2015 |
Noli Taliño | Police Chief Superintendent | January 27, 2015 – March 4, 2015 |
Moro Virgilio Lazo | Police Director | March 4, 2015 – present |
References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Special Action Force. |
Citations
- 1 2 "SAF CELEBRATES ITS 24TH YEAR" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- 1 2 "Philippine SF Overview". Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- 1 2 "Six things you have to learn about Philippine Special Operations Forces". Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ Fernando R. Ortega. "THE NEW SPECIAL ACTION FORCE COMMANDO COURSE" (PDF). Force and Valor. p. 7. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ Aligre Martinez. "THE URBAN COUNTER-REVOLUTIONARY WARFARE COURSE" (PDF). Force and Valor. p. 8. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ Rhoderick Armamento. "THE BASIC AIRBORNE COURSE" (PDF). Force and Valor. p. 8. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ Maryanne Moll. "Through Fire and Ice" (PDF). Force and Valor. p. 5. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ "Force and Valor Table of Contents" (PDF). Force and Valor. p. 2. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- 1 2 3 "Performance Highlights". Philippine National Police. 2007-03-02. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ Philippine Headline News Online (Phno). "Elite Special Action Force (Saf) Deployed In Makati City". Newsflash.org. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "About Special Action Force". Philippine National Police. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- 1 2 3 "Official SAF history". Philippine National Police. Retrieved 2013-04-27.
- ↑ "Special Action Force camp to rise in Pinugay". Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ "MMDA help sought in demolition operations inside police camp". GMA Network. 2008-09-14. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ Cecille Suerte-Felipe (2009-01-05). "PNP, US troops to hold joint Balikatan exercises". Philippine Star. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ "The Origin of Wildfire" (PDF). Force and Valor. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ "SAF Annual Report, SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS May 2003-May 2004". Philippine National Police. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ Miko Santos (2003-09-23). "Police arrest 9 bank robbery suspects". Sun.Star Manila. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ Oliver Teves (2005-03-16). "At least 23 die in Manila jail raid". The Standard. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ May Vargas. "Camp Bagong Diwa Likened to Auswichtz". Bulatlat. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ "Police, Muslims to thwart Sayyaf reprisals". Sun.Star Manila. 2005-03-18. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ Joel Guinto, Thea Alberto (2006-10-09). "Elite military, police units to go after NPA in airport raid". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ Kenneth del Rosario (2007-10-26). "Police officer, 4 robbers killed in QC shootout". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ "Brig Gen. Danilo Lim arrested". GMA Network. 2009-11-29. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ "(Update) National Police in full alert". GMA Network. 2007-11-29. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ http://www.philstar.com/nation/567943/4-saf-men-killed-5-hurt-npa-ambush
- ↑ http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/310243/news/regions/8-elite-cops-killed-7-others-hurt-in-npa-ambush-in-cagayan
- ↑ http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/27/13/8-elite-cops-killed-cagayan-npa-ambush
- ↑ http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/417613/news/nation/roxas-44-killed-12-wounded-in-mamasapano-misencounter | title=Roxas: 44 killed, 12 wounded in Mamasapano ‘misencounter’ | publisher=GMA Network | date=January 27, 2015 | accessdate=January 27, 2015
- ↑ "About SAF". Philippine National Police. 2006. Archived from the original on 2009-03-09. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- 1 2 "Official SAF ISTAR Course information" (PDF). Philippine National Police. Retrieved 2013-04-27.
- ↑ "Philippines police officers warned not to pawn new pistols". Gulfnews. 2013-07-16. Retrieved 2015-10-07.
- 1 2 3 "Official SAF Commando Course information" (PDF). Philippine National Police. Retrieved 2013-04-27.
- 1 2 3 Ibp Usa; USA Int'l Business Publications (2015-03-10). PNP to bid out contract for P133.7-M sub-machine guns. Philstar.com. Retrieved 2015-10-07.
- ↑ Lewis, Jack; Robert K. Campbell; David Steele (2007). The Gun Digest Book of Assault Weapons (7 ed.). Krause Publications.
- ↑ GERMAN FIREARMS IN THE PHILIPPINES by Roman Deckert, seen Sep 24, 2008
- ↑ "Savage Model 10 Precision Rifles Used by Philippine National Police Counterterrorism Unit". Tactical Life. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ "Savage Arms Cutting Edge Sniper Weapon System". Tactical Life. 2010-03-25. Retrieved 2015-10-08.
- ↑ "BIFF won't return SAF weapons without rematch vs PNP". Philstar. 2015-02-20. Retrieved 2015-10-08.
- ↑ "PNP asked to allot P24 M more for defective combat vehicles". Philstar. 2011-09-06. Retrieved 2015-10-08.
- 1 2 3 "Philippine National Police look to purchase 15 helicopters". HeliHub. 2012-10-12. Retrieved 2015-10-08.
- ↑ "SAF Directors". Philippine National Police. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
Bibliography
- Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) official website (Current Site)
- Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) official website (Last Archive on July 16, 2011)
- Mikhail Amara