Napolcom OKs creation of 2 more SAF battalions

MANILA, Philippines - The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Tuesday approved the creation of two additional Special Action Battalions (SABs) under the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Napolcom Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo Escueta said that the Commission approved the request of the PNP for the strengthening of the SAF’s SABs with the activation of the two new SABs. With the new SABs, the SAF now has seven SABs.

“After a review of the PNP’s proposal, the Commission approved the creation of two additional SABs to further enhance the operational capability and efficiency of the PNP SAF in order to effectively implement its mandate to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other PNP units in its active role on internal security operations,” Escueta said.

According to Escueta, a SAB is tasked to conduct long-range reconnaissance and surveillance operations deep into enemy territories through infiltration and extrication by air, land and sea.

SABs are also responsible for the conduct of internal security operations against dissident terrorists and anti-criminality operations in priority areas.

SABs are likewise ordered to provide support to other PNP units in their efforts to fight against syndicated crime groups.

Escueta said a copy of the Napolcom resolution approving the creation of the two new SABs has been submitted to the Office of the President and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to serve as basis for the provision of supplemental budget for recruitment, training, operations and equipage of the SAF.