Special Action Force

Special Action Force
Special Action Force official seal
Active May 16, 1983-present
Country Philippines Philippines
Allegiance Philippines Republic of the Philippines
Branch
Type Police Tactical Unit
Role Domestic counter-terrorism and law enforcement, raids and commando-type unconventional warfare
Size Classified
Part of Philippine National Police
Garrison/HQ Fort Sto. Domingo, Santa Rosa, Laguna (main)
Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig, Metro Manila (camp)
Nickname(s) SAF, Tagaligtas (Saviors), SAF Troopers, SAF Commandos
Motto(s) "By skill and virtue, we triumph"[1]
Colors   Black-color of SAF beret
Anniversaries 16 May
Engagements

Anti-guerrilla and terrorist operations against:

Decorations
Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge
Commanders
NAPOLCOM Chairman DILG OIC Usec. Eduardo Año
Chief, PNP Police Director-General Oscar Albayalde
SAF Chief Police Director Noli G.Taliño
Notable
commanders		 See Commanders section
Insignia
PNP SAF Badge

The Special Action Force (SAF) is the National Mobile Unit of the Philippine National Police founded by Fidel V. Ramos. The SAF, over the years, has received training from the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG), RAID and Yamam.[2][3] The Anti-Terrorist Unit (ATU) of the PNP-SAF is responsible for nationwide police counter-terrorism (CT) operations nationwide.

SAF members are required to undergo SAF COMMANDO Operations Course (or equivalent training) to be allowed to wear the SAF Beret. It serves also as the foundation course or requisite of other SAF specialization trainings such as Explosives and Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Basic Airborne Course (BAC), Urban Counter Revolutionary Warfare (SURESHOCK), SCUBA-BUSROC (Basic Under-Water Search and Rescue Operations Course) and others.

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 troopers are trained at their camp at Fort Sto. Domingo[4] with its Air Unit stationed at the PNP Hangar in Pasay City.[1]

The SAF has an official magazine known as "Tagaligtas".[5]

History

Created on May 12, 1983 by the Philippine Constabulary (PC) as Philippine Constabulary Special Action Force[6] (PCSAF) as per PC General Orders 323. Generals FIDEL RAMOS and RENATO DE VILLA were the founders of the unit. GEN DE VILLA directed COL ROSENDO FERRER and MAJ AVELINO "Sonny" RAZON JR to organize a Special Action Force.[7] After which, a training program called the PCSAF Ranger Course, was used to train the 1st generation of SAF troopers, which had a number of 149 troopers.[8] Out of them, 26 were commissioned officers with the others being enlisted personnel from a wide range of PC units such as the 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.[8] Later on, they changed the name of the course to SAF Operations Course (SAFOC) then SAF Commando Course (SAFCC).[8]

Initially formed to battle against NPA and 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, GEN 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 GEN FABIAN VER would take over ruling from President Ferdinand Marcos who had been ill during the last few days of the Revolution.[8] When Corazon Aquino became president, the SAF was mandated to be on standby due to the number of coup attempts by rogue Philippine soldiers.[9]

In January 29, 1991, President Aquino signed Republic Act 6975 into law, which changed the name of the SAF from PCSAF to PNPSAF as a part of transition of government.[9]

Following recent changes, the SAF will move to a permanent camp at Barangay Pinugay, Baras, Rizal under Proclamation No. 1355 passed on August 2007[10] from their camp in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.[11]

For the first time, SAF troopers were involved in the Balikatan exercises in 2009 since American and Filipino troops are usually involved.[12]

In July 20, 2016, SAF created NBP Facility Security Provisional Battalion led by PSUPT LEDON MONTE to take over from the Bureau of Corrections the duties to man the New Bilibid Prison particularly in the Maximum Security Camp where the bigtime drug lords and hardened prisoners are in prison.

In 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte gave a directive to add five more Special Action Battalions to the SAF.

SAF's known operations

The Philippine National Police planned 10 operations, including Oplan Exodus which was implemented on January 25, 2015, targeting bomb expert Zulkifli Abdhir also known as Marwan. Oplan Exodus, the last of the operations planned by the PNP was the only operation successful in neutralizing Marwan.[14]

Operation (Oplan) Scope Date of implementation Result

  • Pitas Parang, Sulu December 2010 Executed
  • Smartbomb Butig, Lanao del Sur July 2012 Executed
  • Wolverine Mamasapano, Maguindanao December 2012 Mission aborted
  • Cyclops Marawi April 2013 Executed
  • Cyclops 2 Marawi June 2013 Mission aborted
  • Wolverine 2 Mamasapano, Maguindanao March 2014 Mission aborted
  • Wolverine 3 Mamasapano, Maguindanao May 2014 Mission aborted
  • Terminator Mamasapano, Maguindanao November 2014 Mission aborted
  • Terminator 2 Mamasapano, Maguindanao December 2014 Mission aborted
  • Exodus Mamasapano, Maguindanao January 2015 Primary Objective Complete - Marwan killed
SAF troopers on protection duty at a medical outreach program in 2010 in Lamitan, Philippines.
  • February 1986: EDSA Mutiny.
  • 1986 to 1989 - SAF Conducted anti-coup operations against anti-government rebels from the Philippine military.[13]
  • Late 1980s to 1990s - First deployed to battle against NPA and MNLF rebels.
  • May 1987 - Then PCSAF under MAJOR AVELINO RAZON Jr was deployed in Ifugao to conduct operations against the CPP-NPA.
  • 1987 - Two Special Action Companies (SACs) were deployed in Negros Island and conducted successful operations against the NPAs. It caused the surrender of considerable numbers of the NPA operating in Negros Oriental. The 2SAC and 4SAC were led by 1LT NOLI TALINO (2SAC) and (4SAC)1LT JOSEPHUS ANGAN and 1LT RAMON MATEO DIZON, who later became Brig General and PSG Commander under President Benigno Aquino III.
  • 1992 - Newly created 4SAB under PSUPT ABRAHAM GARCILLANO and PCINSP EMMANUEL CAEG was placed attached with the Western Police District to assist in neutralizing criminal elements involved in robbery/hold-up of banks and pawnshops, including armored cars. 1SAC led by PINSP ADRIATICO DEL CAMAT and PINSP BERNARD BANAC was deployed in Ermita, Manila while the 2SAC led by PINSP CONSTANCIO ITEM and PINSP BERNARDO ROSARIO was deployed in Sampaloc, Manila.
  • 1993 - The 3SAB was deployed in Basilan to go after notorious bandits and KFR groups.
  • March 15, 1993 - A team of SAF Troopers led by PINSP CLEMENTE VARGAS and PINSP BERNARDO ROSARIO discovered NPA killing fields in Brgy Kalabigan Hills, Marag Valley, Luna, Kalinga-Apayao
  • 1994 - The 1SAB led by PCINSO AGER ONTOG, 2SAB led by PCINSP JAIME CALUNGSOD and Special Operations Battalion (SOB) Deep Reconnaissance Company (DEER) led by PINSP BERNARD BANAC and PINSP RODOLFO CASTIL Jr 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, SOB sent the Light Armor Coy "Bubuyog" led by PINSP BERNARDO ROSARIO and PINSP RAMIL MONTILLA 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 who headed the SAF Training Group in Basilan to conduct SAFOC.
  • October 1994 - Two teams from 2SAB led by PINSP CESAR PASIWEN and PINSP CRIS MENDOZA neutralized Commander "Arabain" in Tuburan, Basilan.
  • October 1994 - The 1SAB was deployed in Region 12 with its Battalion HQ at Sultan Kudarat.
  • October 1994 - The 1SAC, 1SAB under PINSP WILLY CAYAT backed by 2SAC under PINSO TELLIO NGIS-O successfully took over the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation project from Muslim Rebel Group led by Commander "Damskie". PINSP VICTOR AREVALO and other PNCOs were wounded during the operation. A bomb technician expert who was recovering/disarming anti-personnel mines was killed by a sniper fire.
  • December 1994 - The 2SAC led by 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, Chief of police of Carmen MPS in Cotabato with 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. PO2s Ycoy and Pellobello who were part of the Blocking Force were killed in the said operations. The 2SAC, 1SAB was awarded as Best Operating Company by the Regional Police Office 12.
  • June 1995 - Composite personnel from 1SAB, 2SAB, 3SAB,4SAB, SOB DEER Coy led by PINSP BERNARD BANAC and PINSP RODOLFO CASTIL Jr and SOB "Bubuyog" LAC led by PINSP BERNARDO ROSARIO and PINSP RAMIL MONTILLA were deployed in Negros Island as primary component of Negros Island Police Task Force.
  • September 1996 - The 3SAB under PCINSP ROMAN FELIX was deployed in SBMA-Bataan area to conduct clearing operations as part of security preparation for APEC. 31SAC was attached to 24th IB, Philippine Army under Maj Emmanuel Bautista to conduct joint combat raids in the town of Balanga, Orion, Bataan and nearby area. It was transferred to Mauban, Quezon to support the local police.
  • March 1995 - The RECON COY under PSINSP RONALD SANTOS was deployed to Nueva Ecija for election duty and was responsible for many accomplishments to name a few, arrest of Mayor Joson and his 13 bodyguards who were responsible in the killing of Mayor Perez, a political opponent of the Josons.
  • 1997 - The RECON COY under PSINSP WILLY CAYAT was deployed in Davao Del Norte at Mount Diwalwal to restore peace and order and conduct police operation against use of explosive components by miners in their operation of mining gold in Mount Diwalwal.
  • 1997 to 2000 - The 1SAB under PSUPT BENJAMIN MAGALONG figured in numerous special operations such as arrests and raids on high-profile lawless elements and hostage rescue operations in cooperation with Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF). Its Counter-Terrorist Unit also figured in series of raids against NPA that resulted in the neutralization of some of NPA leaders.
  • July 27, 2003 - SAF EOD experts were deployed during the Oakwood Mutiny.[14] in Makati city.
  • August 25, 2003 - 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, CIDG, Intelligence Group (IG), Traffic Management Group, Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), Army Intelligence and Security Group (AISG) and 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.[15]
  • September 28, 2003 - SAF provided Quick Reacion Forces for protection of US President George Bush during his visit to the Philippines.
  • October 2, 2003 - SAF arrested Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist, Taofek Refke.[6]
  • March 10, 2004 - SAF teams engaged NPA guerrillas in a gunfight alongside soldiers of the Philippine Army's 24th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Caarosipan, Barangay Apostol, San Felipe town. Eight NPA guerillas were confirmed killed. A SAF officer was KIA while three were WIA.
  • April 28, 2004 - Arrest of Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the Muslim community in Culiat, Quezon City.
  • March 18, 2004 - The SAF Commando Cl-27 composed the 24SAC, 2SAB who were deployed in North Cotabato (Buliok Complex) as requested by Governor Emmanuel Pinol to serve as a peace negotiator between the government and the MILF rebels. They also served as security during the 2004 presidential election in the province.
  • May 31, 2004 - SAF protected ballot boxes used in the May 10, 2004 presidential elections.
  • June 11, 2004 - SAF teams were deployed in a resettlement area in Taguig, Rizal province after reports of snipers were made to the PNP.
  • June 20, 2004 - A SAF officer was killed when SAF and the Zambalez Polie Provincial Mobile Group engaged the NPA in a firefight 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 - The SAF provided security for former Abu Sayyaf hostage Gracia Burnham who testified against said terrorist group in a local courthouse.
  • September 27, 2004 - SAF teams were deployed in the Cordillera to disarm various Partisan Armed Group (PAG) gunmen in the employ of several local prominent politicians.
  • January 30, 2005 - SAF arrested opvarious kidnap-for-ransom gang members in Batangas City
  • February 10, 2005 - SAF arrested members of a bank robbery gang during a raid in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
  • March 15, 2005 - SAF and NCRPO SWAT teams led by PSSUPT BENJAMIN MAGALONG 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.[16] 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.[17] 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 Abel Arreola was the only SAF operative killed during the attack.[18]
  • February 17, 2006 - SAF units were 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 were on red alert after coup attempt was discovered.
  • October 9, 2006 - SAF units were deployed in Negros Occidental after New People's Army rebels attacked the Silay City airport.[19]
  • January 11 to 14, 2007 - SAF units were deployed in Metro Cebu during the 12th ASEAN Summit.
  • October 26, 2007 - PSINSP FERMAR ORDIZ, a PNP SAF operative, was shot and killed by robbers in Cubao, Quezon City during a shootout despite wearing a kevlar vest.[20]
  • November 29, 2007 - SAF helped in preventing the Manila Peninsula rebellion by arresting the renegade soldiers including Army BGEN DANILO LIM.[21]
  • June 13, 2007 - PO2 Marlon Buslig, a PNP SAF operative, was KIA by Abu Sayyaf members 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 - 10 suspected criminals, one policeman, and five civilians, a total of 16 people, including a seven-year-old girl, were killed in a bloody shootout in Parañaque.
  • September 26 to 30, 2009 - Heroic Acts of Special Action Force 61ST Calamity Assistance Rescue Recovery Relief and Emergency (CARE) Company of Force Support Battalion (FSB) under PCINSP BYRON 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 - Four SAF Troopers were KIA during an ambush by the NPA in Antipolo City, Rizal while five other troopers were WIA.[22]
  • May 27, 2013 - Eight SAF Troopers were killed while seven other troopers were wounded during an ambush perpetrated by the NPA in Allacapan, Cagayan.[23][24]
  • September 9 to 28, 2013 - Zamboanga Siege/Attack or Zamboanga City Crisis - the 55SAC of 5SAB and 84SAC of RDB were among the very first government troops to respond to the attack made by elements of a Rouge MNLF faction. They prevented the attackers in going further to the heart of the city. Three SAF Troopers, PO2 Christopher Hernaez of 55SAC and PO2s Lawin Salisa and Enrique Afable of 84SAC, were KIA. A total of 25 government troopers were KIA while 183 members of said faction were KIA and 292 others were captured.
  • January 25, 2015 - 44 members of the PNP-Special Action Force were killed by an estimated 800 members of Local Terrorist Groups, Bangsa Moro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Moro Islamic Liberation Front and local criminal groups in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, while 12 other troopers were WIA. Among the 44 who were KIA, 35 were from 55SAC, 5SAB while nine from 84SAC, RDB. It was believed that an estimate of more than 200 LTGs were KIA due to the close proximity of the firefight although only 17 was reported. All of the 44 SAF Troopers were awarded the Medal for Valor.
  • May 23, 2017 to October 23, 2017 - a Composite SAF Contingent was sent to augment government forces to clear Marawi City from the clutches of an estimated 1,000 members of ISIS inspired and combined Maute and Abu Sayyaf Local Terrorist Groups (LTGs). For five months, the contingent directly confronted the enemy at the Main Battle Area where they fought side by side with the elite forces of the AFP in neutralizing said LTGs. They provided Assault Teams, Sniper Teams, Weapons Teams, LAC Teams and Seaborne Teams. The contingent was led by PSUPT REX ARVIN MALIMBAN. It was composed of personnel mostly from the CTU Companies of the line battalions such as 83SAC (CRG) and 84SAC (Seaborne) of the RDB led by PSUPT LAMBERT SUERTE, 103SAC and 15SAC of 1SAB led by PSUPT JACK ANGOG, 25SAC of 2SAB led by PSUPT MARIO MAYAMES Jr, composite company mostly from 55SAC of 5SAB led by PSUPT LEDON MONTE. 4SAB and SAFTB (Commando Cl-77 as test mission led by PINSP MICKGLO MARINAS) also sent personnel. Four were KIA: PO3 Alexis Mangaldan (5SAB), PO1 Moises Kimayong (SAFTB), PO2 Alexis Laurente (1SAB) and PO2 Daniel Tegwa (SAFTB). For their gallantry in action, PO1 Kimayong earned the Medal for Valor while members of the contingent, except those with the rank of PSUPT, were meritoriously promoted by then CPNP PDG RONALDO DELA ROSA upon their return to the SAF Hqs on October 23, 2017. A total of 168 government troopers were KIA while 974 LTGs were KIA and 12 captured. Thousands of trapped civilians were rescued.

Structure

As of 2018, the SAF's command structure is consist of the following:[9]

  • Headquarters
  • Force Support Battalion
  • Rapid Deployment Battalion
  • Six Special Action Force Battalions: 1SAB, 2SAB, 3SAB, 4SAB, 5SAB, 6SAB
  • Air Unit

Functions

As designated by the Philippine National Police, the missions of the Special Action Force are the following:[8][25]

  • 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 AustriaSemi-automatic pistol9×19mm ParabellumStandard-issue pistol of the Philippine National Police since 2013.[26][27]
SYS Canik TP9 TurkeySemi-automatic pistol9×19mm ParabellumTP9SFAlternative standard issue pistol of the PNP, some were distributed to the SAF.[28]
IWI Masada IsraelSemi-automatic pistol9×19mm ParabellumMasadaAlternative standard issue pistol of the PNP, some were distributed to the SAF.[29]
Beretta 92 ItalySemi-automatic pistol9×19mm Parabellum92FStandard-issue pistol of the Philippine National Police.
M1911 pistol[30] United States /
 Philippines		Semi-automatic pistol.45 ACPM1911Former standard-issue pistol of the Philippine National Police, sourced from US EDA and new Philippine-made units.[30] US-made variants mostly handed-over from the Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police.

Submachine Guns

Picture Model Origin Type Caliber Version Notes
IWI Tavor X95 IsraelSubmachine gun9×19mm ParabellumX95-S SMGPNP to acquire 743 units to replace ordered but undelivered Kriss Vector SMGs, several were issued to the PNP-SAF.[31]
Ferfrans SCW United StatesSubmachine gun5.56×45mm NATOSCW 7Previously known as PDW. AR-15 based but uses a short 7.5" barrel
Heckler & Koch UMP GermanySubmachine gun9×19mm Parabellum
.45 ACP		UMP-9
UMP-45		[32]
FN P90 BelgiumSubmachine gunFN 5.7×28mmP90Acquired in limited numbers.[33]
Heckler & Koch MP5 Germany /
 Pakistan		Submachine gun9×19mm ParabellumMP5A3
MP5A5
MP5K		Several sourced from Pakistan.[34]
Uzi IsraelSubmachine gun9×19mm ParabellumUzi Submachine GunReplaced by the H&K MP5 but still in reserves.

Shotguns

Picture Model Origin Type Caliber Version Notes
Benelli M4 Super 90 ItalyShotgun12 gaugeM1014
Mossberg 500 United StatesShotgun12 gauge
Remington Model 870 United StatesShotgun12 gauge

Rifles & Carbines

Picture Model Origin Type Caliber Version Notes
M16 rifle United States /
 Philippines		Assault rifle5.56×45mm NATOM16A1Current 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.
IWI Galil ACE IsraelAssault rifle5.56×45mm NATOGalil ACE-N 22More than 8,000 units acquired by PNP in 2018,[35][36] some were handed over to the SAF.
FAMAS FranceAssault rifle5.56×45mm NATOFAMAS G2Acquired in limited numbers in the late 1990s.
IMI Galil IsraelAssault rifle5.56×45mm NATOAR
SAR		Formerly from the Philippine Constabulary.
M4 carbine United States /
 Philippines		Carbine5.56×45mm NATOM4A1
Ferfrans M4A1		Colt M4A1s acquired from the US. Ferfrans refurbished almost 1,000 units of unserviceable Colt-Elitool M16A1 to specialized M4 standard.[37] Several were distributed to the PNP-SAF.
FERFRANS SOAR United StatesCarbine5.56×45mm NATOSOAR 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.
Emtan MZ-4 IsraelCarbine5.56×45mm NATOMZ-4PMore than 5,600 units acquired by PNP in 2018,[35] some were handed over to the SAF.
CAR-15 Commando United States /
 Philippines		Carbine5.56×45mm NATOM733
M653
M653P		Either made by Colt USA or Elisco Tool (Elitool) Philippines.
Norinco CQ ChinaSemi-automatic rifle5.56×45mm NATOCQ-A5 B Model5,000 units donated by China to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, passed on to PNP. Some were handed over to SAF.
M14 rifle United StatesBattle rifle7.62×51mm NATOM14In service as standard battle rifle. Several units will be undergoing repair and upgrade with the Government Arsenal.
M1 Garand United StatesSemi-automatic rifle.30-06 SpringfieldM1Used for training purposes only.[30]

Designated Marksman & Sniper Rifles

Picture Model Origin Type Caliber Version Notes
Ferfrans SOACR United StatesDesignated marksman rifle7.62×51mm NATODMR
SOACR 18"		Earlier models were called Ferfrans DMR.
Ferfrans SOPMOD M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle United StatesDesignated marksman rifle7.62×51mm NATOSOPMOD 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.
UDMC F5-DGIS PhilippinesDesignated marksman rifle5.56×45mm NATOF5-DGIS 20"233 units delivered in April 2018.
IMI Galil IsraelDesignated marksman rifle / Sniper rifle7.62×51mm NATOGalatzIn limited numbers.
SR-25 United StatesSniper rifle7.62×51mm NATOMk.11 Mod 0
Heckler & Koch PSG1 GermanySniper rifle7.62×51mm NATOPSG-1Limited numbers in service.
Savage 10FP United StatesSniper rifle.308 WinchesterFerfrans TSR
Ferfrans TSR2		111 units acquired by the PNP, several went to PNP-SAF. Acquired as the Ferfrans TSR2, using the Savage 10FCP base unit with modifications and features added by FERFRANS.[26][38][39]
Barrett M82 United StatesAnti-materiel rifle, sniper rifle.50 BMGM82A1M82A1 in service since the early 1990s.

Machine Guns

Picture Model Origin Type Caliber Version Notes
IWI Negev IsraelLight machine gun5.56×45mm NATO
7.62x51mm NATO		Negev
Negev NG-7		Standard squad automatic weapon. 320 units of Negev 5.56mm machine guns and 231 units of Negev NG-7 7.62mm machine guns were delivered in early 2018, many were allocated for SAF. 97 more Negev NG-7 7.62mm machine guns were delivered in early 2018, most were provided to the PNP-SAF.[40]
Ferfrans HVLAR United StatesLight machine gun5.56×45mm NATOHVLARStandard squad automatic weapon.
FN Minimi BelgiumLight machine gun5.56×45mm NATOMinimi
Para		Standard squad automatic weapon.
Ultimax 100 SingaporeLight machine gun5.56×45mm NATOMark 3
M60 machine gun United StatesGeneral-purpose machine gun7.62×51mm NATOM60E3
M60E4		Standard general purpose machine gun.
M240 machine gun United StatesGeneral-purpose machine gun7.62×51mm NATOM240BStandard general purpose machine gun.
Vektor SS-77 South AfricaGeneral-purpose machine gun7.62×51mm NATOSS-77Acquired in limited numbers, mostly mounted on armed vehicles.
M2 Browning United StatesHeavy machine gun.50 BMGM2HBTripod and vehicle/boat-mounted.

Grenade Launchers and Assault Weapons

Picture Model Origin Type Caliber Version Notes
M203 grenade launcher United StatesGrenade launcher40mm grenadeM203
M203A1		Attached to M4/M4A1 (M203A1) and M16A1 (M203).
M79 grenade launcher United StatesGrenade launcher40mm grenadeM79Also used for non-lethal ammunition for crowd dispersal.
SB-40 LAG SpainAutomatic grenade launcher40mm grenadeSB-40 LAGMounted on tripods, or vehicle mounted on light utility vehicles.
M67 recoilless rifle United StatesRecoilless rifle90mmM67In service.[41]

Mortars

Picture Model Origin Type Caliber Version Notes
M75 mortar PhilippinesMortar60mmM75Several units carried over from the Philppine Constabulary.[42]
M29 mortar United StatesMortar81mmM29Several units carried over from the Philppine Constabulary


Armored Vehicles

Picture Model Origin Type Version Notes
Cadillac Gage Commando United StatesArmoured personnel carrierV-15028 reportedly in inventory, although the number of active vehicles might be less.[43]
CTK Armored Vehicle PhilippinesArmoured personnel carrier6W UrbanSeveral in PNP-SAF inventory. Based on locally developed bank armored vehicles. Only used on urban operations.
Humvee United StatesArmoured personnel carrierM1114Several 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
Bell 429 GlobalRanger United StatesMulti-role HelicopterBell 4291 in service.[44]
Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil FranceLight utility helicopterAS3503 in service.[45]
Robinson R44 United StatesLight utility helicopterR44 Raven II3 acquired in 2008-2009,[45] 1 crashed in 2010.
MBB Bo 105 Germany /
 Philippines		Light utility helicopterBO-105C2 in inventory, probably inactive.[45] Assembled locally by PADC.

Commanders

The list are the directors who had commanded the SAF.[46]

PDIR Carmelo E Valmoria PNP is one of the former chiefs of the PNP-SAF.
NAME RANK TERM
Fidel V. Ramos (founder) Major General May 9, 1983 (inauguration)
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 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
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

  1. 1 2 "SAF CELEBRATES ITS 24TH YEAR" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  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. ↑ Maryanne Moll. "Through Fire and Ice" (PDF). Force and Valor. p. 5. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  5. ↑ "Force and Valor Table of Contents" (PDF). Force and Valor. p. 2. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  6. 1 2 "Performance Highlights". Philippine National Police. 2007-03-02. Archived from the original on 2009-04-12. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  7. ↑ Philippine Headline News Online (Phno). "Elite Special Action Force (Saf) Deployed In Makati City". Newsflash.org. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "About Special Action Force". Philippine National Police. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  9. 1 2 3 "Official SAF history". Philippine National Police. Retrieved 2013-04-27.
  10. ↑ "Special Action Force camp to rise in Pinugay". Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  11. ↑ "MMDA help sought in demolition operations inside police camp". GMA Network. 2008-09-14. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  12. ↑ Cecille Suerte-Felipe (2009-01-05). "PNP, US troops to hold joint Balikatan exercises". Philippine Star. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  13. ↑ "The Origin of Wildfire" (PDF). Force and Valor. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  14. ↑ "SAF Annual Report, SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS May 2003-May 2004". Philippine National Police. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  15. ↑ Miko Santos (2003-09-23). "Police arrest 9 bank robbery suspects". Sun.Star Manila. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  16. ↑ Oliver Teves (2005-03-16). "At least 23 die in Manila jail raid". The Standard. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  17. ↑ May Vargas. "Camp Bagong Diwa Likened to Auswichtz". Bulatlat. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  18. ↑ "Police, Muslims to thwart Sayyaf reprisals". Sun.Star Manila. 2005-03-18. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  19. ↑ 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.
  20. ↑ Kenneth del Rosario (2007-10-26). "Police officer, 4 robbers killed in QC shootout". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  21. ↑ "Brig Gen. Danilo Lim arrested". GMA Network. 2009-11-29. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  22. ↑ http://www.philstar.com/nation/567943/4-saf-men-killed-5-hurt-npa-ambush
  23. ↑ http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/310243/news/regions/8-elite-cops-killed-7-others-hurt-in-npa-ambush-in-cagayan
  24. ↑ http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/27/13/8-elite-cops-killed-cagayan-npa-ambush
  25. ↑ "About SAF". Philippine National Police. 2006. Archived from the original on 2009-03-09. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  26. 1 2 "Official SAF ISTAR Course information" (PDF). Philippine National Police. Retrieved 2013-04-27.
  27. ↑ "Philippines police officers warned not to pawn new pistols". Gulfnews. 2013-07-16. Retrieved 2015-10-07.
  28. ↑ "Philippine National Police Provides Notice of Awards for Pistol, Rifle, Helmet, Helicopters and Boat Bidders". Philippine National Police. 2018-02-24. Retrieved 2018-10-05.
  29. ↑ http://pnp.gov.ph/invitation-to-bid/2018/notice-of-award/1389-supply-and-delivery-of-1-920-units-striker-fired-9mm-pistol-under-public-bidding-no-np-2017-15g-nhq-bac-2
  30. 1 2 3 "Official SAF Commando Course information" (PDF). Philippine National Police. Retrieved 2013-04-27.
  31. ↑ 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.
  32. ↑ Ibp Usa; USA Int'l Business Publications (1 May 2007). Philippines Army Weapon Systems Handbook. Int'l Business Publications. p. 86. ISBN 978-1-4330-6198-1. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  33. ↑ Lewis, Jack; Robert K. Campbell; David Steele (2007). The Gun Digest Book of Assault Weapons (7 ed.). Krause Publications. ISBN 9780896894983.
  34. ↑ GERMAN FIREARMS IN THE PHILIPPINES by Roman Deckert, seen Sep 24, 2008
  35. 1 2 http://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/34065
  36. ↑ https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/29/pnp-beefs-up-capability-with-high-endfirearms-vehicles/
  37. ↑ "About FERFRANS". ferfrans.net. Retrieved 2015-10-08.
  38. ↑ "Savage Model 10 Precision Rifles Used by Philippine National Police Counterterrorism Unit". Tactical Life. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  39. ↑ "Savage Arms Cutting Edge Sniper Weapon System". Tactical Life. 2010-03-25. Retrieved 2015-10-08.
  40. ↑ http://pnp.gov.ph/invitation-to-bid/2018/notice-of-award/1375-supply-and-delivery-of-42-units-7-62mm-light-machine-gun-under-public-bidding-no-pnp-17-69g-nhq-bac-2
  41. ↑ "BIFF won't return SAF weapons without rematch vs PNP". Philstar. 2015-02-20. Retrieved 2015-10-08.
  42. ↑ Danilo Lazo & Juanita Mercader. The AFP Self-Reliance Defense Posture (SRDP) Program: Leading the Nation Towards a New Direction (PDF) (Report). p. 151. Retrieved 2015-10-03.
  43. ↑ "PNP asked to allot P24 M more for defective combat vehicles". Philstar. 2011-09-06. Retrieved 2015-10-08.
  44. ↑ "PNP gets new P435-M helicopter for police operations". Inquirer.net. 2018-04-16. Retrieved 2018-04-17.
  45. 1 2 3 "Philippine National Police look to purchase 15 helicopters". HeliHub. 2012-10-12. Retrieved 2015-10-08.
  46. ↑ "SAF Directors". Philippine National Police. Retrieved 2009-06-30.

Bibliography

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