Special Action Force

Special Action Force
Special Action Force Official Insignia
Active	May 16, 1983 - Present
Country	Philippines
Allegiance	Republic of the Philippines
Branch	Philippine Constabulary Philippine National Police
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	"By skill and virtue, we triumph"[1]
Colors	Black berets - SAF beret
Anniversaries	16 May
Engagements	Anti-guerrilla and terrorist operations against: New People's Army Moro National Liberation Front Moro Islamic Liberation Front Abu Sayyaf Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters Jemaah Islamiyah Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
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 Ordinance Desposal (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]

SAF's Known operations

SAF operators on protection duty at a medical outreach program in 2010 in Lamitan, Philippines.

A statue in honor of the 44 men the unit lost during the Mamasapano clash

• 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 Benjie 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

Special Action Force operators undergo CQB training while wearing respirators.

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.
	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]

PDIR Carmelo E Valmoria PNP is one of the former chiefs of the PNP-SAF.

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

Citations

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2. "Philippine SF Overview". Retrieved 2009-06-30.
3. "Six things you have to learn about Philippine Special Operations Forces". Retrieved 2009-06-30.
4. Fernando R. Ortega. "THE NEW SPECIAL ACTION FORCE COMMANDO COURSE" (PDF). Force and Valor. p. 7. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
5. Aligre Martinez. "THE URBAN COUNTER-REVOLUTIONARY WARFARE COURSE" (PDF). Force and Valor. p. 8. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
6. Rhoderick Armamento. "THE BASIC AIRBORNE COURSE" (PDF). Force and Valor. p. 8. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
7. Maryanne Moll. "Through Fire and Ice" (PDF). Force and Valor. p. 5. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
8. "Force and Valor Table of Contents" (PDF). Force and Valor. p. 2. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
9. "Performance Highlights". Philippine National Police. 2007-03-02. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
10. Philippine Headline News Online (Phno). "Elite Special Action Force (Saf) Deployed In Makati City". Newsflash.org. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
11. "About Special Action Force". Philippine National Police. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
12. "Official SAF history". Philippine National Police. Retrieved 2013-04-27.
13. "Special Action Force camp to rise in Pinugay". Retrieved 2009-06-30.
14. "MMDA help sought in demolition operations inside police camp". GMA Network. 2008-09-14. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
15. Cecille Suerte-Felipe (2009-01-05). "PNP, US troops to hold joint Balikatan exercises". Philippine Star. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
16. "The Origin of Wildfire" (PDF). Force and Valor. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
17. "SAF Annual Report, SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS May 2003-May 2004". Philippine National Police. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
18. Miko Santos (2003-09-23). "Police arrest 9 bank robbery suspects". Sun.Star Manila. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
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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