A senator has filed a resolution seeking to posthumously award the Medal of Valor to the 44 Special Action Force officers who sacrificed their lives in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, saying they should be commended for their exemplary courage and heroism.

“The 44 officers of the PNP-SAF fought valiantly and sacrificed their lives in the performance of their duty,” Senator Bam Aquino said in his Senate Resolution No. 1156.

Sen. Bam said the bravery of the 44 SAF members led to the killing of international terrorist Zulkipli Bin Hir, alias Abu Marwan, during an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

“Their lives were in the service to the Filipino people and our nation’s quest for peace,” added Sen. Bam.

However, the SAF team came under intense rebel fire from members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), resulting in the death of 44 of its members.

According to the senator, Republic Act No. 9049 honors military heroes and affiliates for their supreme self-sacrifice and distinctive acts of heroism and gallantry by awarding the Medal of Valor.

“Their mission was accomplished and that the country became a safer place because of them,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

The Medal of Valor entitles the widower and/or dependents of the awardee to a lifetime monthly gratuity and precedence in employment in National Government Agencies (NGAs) or Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) among other benefits

“Through this recognition, it is our hope that the nation will never forget what they’ve died for and be an inspiration for our fellow Filipinos to continue serving our country,” Sen. Bam stressed.