ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) -- Philippine National Police Chief Police General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., on direct instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., visited the wounded personnel of the PNP-Special Action Forces (PNP-SAF), who are currently under medical care at an undisclosed hospital in Zamboanga City.

The nine members of the PNP-SAF sustained injuries, including three officers and six non-commissioned officers, during a recent law enforcement operation that led to an armed encounter in Barangay Seit Higad in Panamao, Sulu, for the service of a warrant of arrest against Muksidal Jumadil, an alleged drug dealer wanted for illegal possession of firearms and murder.

PGEN Acorda Jr. awarded the wounded PNP-SAF personnel with the prestigious Medalya Ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) and Medalya Ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP Wounded Medal), in recognition of their valor and sacrifice. The Chief PNP also handed financial assistance to the personnel currently recuperating at the Zamboanga City hospital.

Meanwhile, despite difficulties as a result of the injuries sustained during the police operation, the wounded police commandos namely, PCPT Nolie L Agmaliw; PLT Jhorlino Rico D Apal; PLT Earl Abbdurajan III; Pat Lionel A Suarverdez; PCpl Reymir M Subion; PCpl Lindo M Macua; Pat Edison Ray D Paris; PCpl Oliver R Alviar; and PCpl Andres G Dalang, in an outpouring display of unyielding spirit and dedication, presented a snappy salute to Chief PNP Acorda during his visit.

PNP Chief Acorda expressed admiration for their heroism and emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of all police personnel during operations. "While we salute the valor of our personnel, the safety of our colleagues is our paramount concern. Tayo ay palagiang mag-ingat lalo na sa mga notorious individual na katulad ni Jumadil na sumugat sa ating mga kasamahan.  Iisa lang ang ating buhay, kaya ito’y ating pahalagahan at pakakaingatan para sa ating pamilya”.

(We must always be careful, especially with notorious individuals like Jumadil who hurt our colleagues. We only have one life, we must value it and take care of it for our family.)

All personnel are currently in stable condition under the close supervision of their attending physicians.

Meanwhile, Jumadil lost his life during the police operation. He opened automatic fire on the commandos, sparking a fierce battle that eventually resulted in his killing.

The law enforcement operation that led to the armed encounter in Panamao, Sulu, aimed to serve the Warrant of Arrest issued by the Acting Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, 9th Judicial Region, Branch 4, Parang against Jumadil for Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition.

Aside from this pending case, Jumadil was also the primary suspect in the brutal killing of Nurdija Dammang Aminudddin, a small-town businesswoman in Barangay Kanmindus, Luuk, Sulu, whose chopped body parts were found scattered in different locations in the said barangay. (NBE/CCP/PIA9 with reports and photos from the Philippine National Police)