New SAF chief to troopers: Be vanguards of peace

MANILA, Philippines - The new director of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) on Wednesday urged his troopers to continue being "vanguards of peace."

In a simple ceremony at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, Chief Superintendent Moro Virgilio Lazo formally assumed command as SAF unit head more than a month after 44 of his comrades were killed in a botched operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

After the Mamasapano incident hampered the Bangsamoro peace process, Lazo reminded his unit of its role in securing the land.

"Together, united and as one, let us continue to affirm our commitment to be vanguards of peace. May the force be with us all," he said.

Lazo, who used to be with the SAF for several years, said he is "grateful, honored and humbled" to head the elite group.

"[The SAF] has always been close to my heart. To my brothers and sisters in the SAF family, I am so elated to be back home, excited to work again with you," said Lazo.

The new SAF chief also thanked President Benigno Aquino III, who witnessed the turnover of command ceremony.

READ: Aquino meets with SAF troopers, installs new chief

Lazo replaced Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño, who became the acting SAF commander after Director Getulio Napeñas was relieved over the deadly January 25 Mamasapano mission.

Lazo and Taliño belong to Philippine Military Academy Class ’84.

From May 2010 to February 2013, Lazo, was the chief of directorial staff or No. 3 man of SAF.

He served as deputy regional director for administration and OIC of the Ilocos regional police and later chief of the Firearms and Explosive Office prior to his being named SAF director.