Special Action Force

The Special Action Force (SAF) is the elite unit of the Philippine National Police founded by Fidel V. Ramos. SAF Commandos have 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.

Special Action Force
Beret patch
Badge
Abbreviation	SAF
Motto	"By skill and virtue, we triumph"[1]
Agency overview
Formed	May 16, 1983
Jurisdictional structure
National agency (Operations jurisdiction)	Philippines
Operations jurisdiction	Philippines
Legal jurisdiction	Philippines
General nature	Civilian police
Specialist jurisdiction	Counter terrorism, special weapons operations. Protection of internationally protected persons, other very important persons, and-or of state property of significance.
Operational structure
Headquarters	Fort Santo Domingo, Santa Rosa, Laguna (main) Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig, Metro Manila (camp)
Parent agency	Philippine Constabulary (Former) Philippine National Police
Notables
Person	Police Maj. Gen. Noli G.Taliño, SAF Chief

SAF members are required to undergo the SAF COMMANDO Operations Course (or equivalent training such as Scout Ranger Course, Force Reconnaissance Course, Special Forces Operations Course) to be allowed to wear the SAF Beret. It also serves as the foundation course or requisite for 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), SAF Seaborne Warfare Course (SSWC) and others.

SAF troopers are assigned anywhere in the country. Training occurs at the unit headquarters 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. Fidel Ramos and Renato de Villa were the founders of the unit. De Villa directed Rosendo Ferrer and 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]

On 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 in 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]

On 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. The said Battalion (NBPFSPB) was composed of four original companies; 1st Company led by PCI Carlo Loñosa, 2nd Coy led by PSI Abraham Culili, 3rd Coy led by PSI Jojo Gaspar, 4th Coy led by PSI Jayson Baldos.

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.
• August 4, 2000 two teams of SAF LRU of PAOCTF Luzon led by PSINSP Edgar Alan Okubo and PSINSP Felix Servita Jr engaged eight fully armed robbers of the Danny Flores Gang after a hot pursuit operation in Alabang, Muntinlupa resulting in the killing of four suspects and arrest of four others and the recovery of six high powered long firearms and five handguns. One SAF trooper was KIA.
• 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 - The Parañaque shootout, between the SAF and the Waray-Waray gang which led to death of 16 people, including one SAF member named PO1 Nixon Vinasoy. It was the most controversial mission conducted by the SAF due to the death of two civilians, including a 7-year-old girl caused by the SAF team.[22]
• 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, Rizal while five other troopers were WIA.[23]
• May 27, 2013 - Eight SAF Troopers were killed while seven other troopers were wounded during an ambush perpetrated by the NPA in Allacapan, Cagayan.[24][25]
• 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][26]

• 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	Austria	Semi-automatic pistol	9×19mm Parabellum		Standard-issue pistol of the Philippine National Police since 2013.[27][28]
	SYS Canik TP9	Turkey	Semi-automatic pistol	9×19mm Parabellum	TP9SF	Alternative standard issue pistol of the PNP, some were distributed to the SAF.[29]
	TİSAŞ Zigana	Turkey	Semi-automatic pistol	9×19mm Parabellum	Zigana P9L	168 units received by SAF in 2018.
	IWI Masada	Israel	Semi-automatic pistol	9×19mm Parabellum	Masada	Alternative standard issue pistol of the PNP, some were distributed to the SAF.[30]
	Beretta 92	Italy	Semi-automatic pistol	9×19mm Parabellum	92F	Standard-issue pistol of the Philippine National Police.
	M1911 pistol[31]	United States /  Philippines	Semi-automatic pistol	.45 ACP	M1911	Former standard-issue pistol of the Philippine National Police, sourced from US EDA and new Philippine-made units.[31] US-made variants mostly handed-over from the Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police.

Submachine Guns

Picture	Model	Origin	Type	Caliber	Version	Notes
	CZ Scorpion Evo 3	Czech Republic	Submachine gun	9×19mm Parabellum	Evo 3A1	Acquired 72 units, formally received on 7 August 2019.[32]
	IWI Tavor X95	Israel	Submachine gun	9×19mm Parabellum	X95-S SMG	PNP to acquire 743 units to replace ordered but undelivered Kriss Vector SMGs, several were issued to the PNP-SAF.[33]
	Ferfrans SCW	United States	Submachine gun	5.56×45mm NATO	SCW 7	Previously known as PDW. AR-15 based but uses a short 7.5" barrel
	Heckler & Koch UMP	Germany	Submachine gun	9×19mm Parabellum .45 ACP	UMP-9 UMP-45	[34]
	FN P90	Belgium	Submachine gun	FN 5.7×28mm	P90	Acquired in limited numbers.[35]
	Heckler & Koch MP5	Germany /  Pakistan	Submachine gun	9×19mm Parabellum	MP5A3 MP5A5 MP5K	Several sourced from Pakistan.[36]
	Uzi	Israel	Submachine gun	9×19mm Parabellum	Uzi Submachine Gun	Replaced by the H&K MP5 but still in reserves.

Shotguns

Picture	Model	Origin	Type	Caliber	Version	Notes
	Catma Arms S501	Turkey	Shotgun	12 gauge	S 501	105 units formally received 9 August 2019.[32]
	Mossberg 500	United States	Shotgun	12 gauge
	Remington Model 870	United States	Shotgun	12 gauge

Rifles & Carbines

Picture	Model	Origin	Type	Caliber	Version	Notes
	M16 rifle	United States /  Philippines	Assault rifle	5.56×45mm NATO	M16A1	Current 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	Israel	Assault rifle	5.56×45mm NATO	Galil ACE-N 22	More than 8,000 units acquired by PNP in 2018,[37][38] some were handed over to the SAF.
	FAMAS	France	Assault rifle	5.56×45mm NATO	FAMAS G2	Acquired in limited numbers in the late 1990s.
	IMI Galil	Israel	Assault rifle	5.56×45mm NATO	AR SAR	Formerly from the Philippine Constabulary.
	M4 carbine	United States /  Philippines	Carbine	5.56×45mm NATO	M4A1 Ferfrans M4A1	Colt M4A1s acquired from the US. Ferfrans refurbished almost 1,000 units of unserviceable Colt-Elitool M16A1 to specialized M4 standard.[39] Several were distributed to the PNP-SAF.
	FERFRANS SOAR	United States	Carbine	5.56×45mm NATO	SOAR 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 an 11.5" barrel, while SOAR 14 uses a 14.5" barrel. SOAR-P is a piston version of the rifle.
	Emtan MZ-4	Israel	Carbine	5.56×45mm NATO	MZ-4P	More than 5,600 units acquired by PNP in 2018,[37] some were handed over to the SAF.
	CAR-15 Commando	United States /  Philippines	Carbine	5.56×45mm NATO	M733 M653 M653P	Either made by Colt USA or Elisco Tool (Elitool) Philippines.
	Norinco CQ	China	Semi-automatic rifle	5.56×45mm NATO	CQ-A5 B Model	5,000 units donated by China to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, passed on to PNP. Some were handed over to SAF.
	QBZ-95	China	Semi-automatic rifle	5.56×45mm NATO	QBZ-97	[40]
	M14 rifle	United States	Battle rifle	7.62×51mm NATO	M14	In service as standard battle rifle. Several units will be undergoing repair and upgrade with the Government Arsenal.

Designated Marksman & Sniper Rifles

Picture	Model	Origin	Type	Caliber	Version	Notes
	Ferfrans SOACR	United States	Designated marksman rifle	7.62×51mm NATO	DMR SOACR 18"	Earlier models were called Ferfrans DMR.
	Ferfrans SOPMOD M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle	United States	Designated marksman rifle	7.62×51mm NATO	SOPMOD 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	Philippines	Designated marksman rifle	5.56×45mm NATO	F5-DGIS 20"	233 units delivered in April 2018.
	IMI Galil	Israel	Designated marksman rifle / Sniper rifle	7.62×51mm NATO	Galatz	In limited numbers.
	SR-25	United States	Sniper rifle	7.62×51mm NATO	Mk.11 Mod 0
	Heckler & Koch PSG1	Germany	Sniper rifle	7.62×51mm NATO	PSG-1	Limited numbers in service.
	Savage 10FP	United States	Sniper rifle	.308 Winchester	Ferfrans 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.[27][41][42]
	Barrett M82	United States	Anti-materiel rifle, sniper rifle	.50 BMG	M82A1	M82A1 in service since the early 1990s.

Machine Guns

Picture	Model	Origin	Type	Caliber	Version	Notes
	IWI Negev	Israel	Light machine gun	5.56×45mm 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.[43]
	Ferfrans HVLAR	United States	Light machine gun	5.56×45mm NATO	HVLAR	Standard squad automatic weapon.
	FN Minimi	Belgium	Light machine gun	5.56×45mm NATO	Minimi Para	Standard squad automatic weapon.
	Ultimax 100	Singapore	Light machine gun	5.56×45mm NATO	Mark 3
	S&T Motiv K12	South Korea	General-purpose machine gun	7.62×51mm NATO	K12	25 units acquired in 2019.
	M60 machine gun	United States	General-purpose machine gun	7.62×51mm NATO	M60E3 M60E4	Standard general purpose machine gun.
	M240 machine gun	United States	General-purpose machine gun	7.62×51mm NATO	M240B	Standard general purpose machine gun.
	Vektor SS-77	South Africa	General-purpose machine gun	7.62×51mm NATO	SS-77	Acquired in limited numbers, mostly mounted on armed vehicles.
	M2 Browning	United States	Heavy machine gun	.50 BMG	M2HB	Tripod and vehicle/boat-mounted.

Grenade Launchers and Assault Weapons

Picture	Model	Origin	Type	Caliber	Version	Notes
	M203 grenade launcher	United States	Grenade launcher	40mm grenade	M203 M203A1	Attached to M4/M4A1 (M203A1) and M16A1 (M203).
	CZ 805 G1	Czech Republic	Grenade launcher	40mm grenade	805 G1	69 units formally accepted on 9 August 2019.[32]
	M79 grenade launcher	United States	Grenade launcher	40mm grenade	M79	Also used for non-lethal ammunition for crowd dispersal.
	SB-40 LAG	Spain	Automatic grenade launcher	40mm grenade	SB-40 LAG	Mounted on tripods, or vehicle mounted on light utility vehicles.
	M67 recoilless rifle	United States	Recoilless rifle	90mm	M67	In service.[44]

Mortars

Picture	Model	Origin	Type	Caliber	Version	Notes
	M75 mortar	Philippines	Mortar	60mm	M75	Several units carried over from the Philppine Constabulary.[45]
	M29 mortar	United States	Mortar	81mm	M29	Several units carried over from the Philppine Constabulary

Armored Vehicles

Picture	Model	Origin	Type	Version	Units	Notes
	Cadillac Gage Commando	United States	Armoured personnel carrier	V-150	28 Units	Although the number of active vehicles might be less.[46]
	GKN Sankey FV432	United Kingdom	Armoured personnel carrier	FV432	5 Units	Few units acquired from used equipment importers.[47]
	Shladot-MDT Armor Tiger Mk. II	Israel	Armoured personnel carrier	4x4 LWB	6 units	Acquired in 2019. Armed with cupola-mounted 12.7mm or 7.62mm machine gun.[48]
	CTK Armored Vehicle	Philippines	Armoured personnel carrier	6W Urban	3 Units as of April 2020	Several in PNP-SAF inventory. Based on locally developed bank armored vehicles. Only used on urban operations.
	Humvee	United States	Armoured personnel carrier	M1114	14 Units	Several 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 States	Multi-role Helicopter	Bell 429	1 in service.[49][50] 1 crashed on March 5, 2020.[51][52]
	Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil	France	Light utility helicopter	AS350 H125	5 AS350 originally in service, probably all inoperable with some sold as scrap. 5 H125 delivered in 2020, in service.[53][54][55][56]
	Robinson R44	United States	Light utility helicopter	R44 Raven II	3 acquired in 2008–2009,[53] 1 crashed in 2010. 2 brand new units received in August 2019. 4 units in service total.

Commanders

The list are the directors who had commanded the SAF.[57]

PDIR Carmelo E Valmoria PNP is one of the former chiefs of the PNP-SAF.

NAME	RANK	TERM As of February 21, 2019, per the current (2019) rank system, the National Police has no rank holders of Second Lieutenant equivalent.
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 Brigadier General	August 2, 1989 - February 11, 1991
Enrique T. Bulan	Police Brigadier General	February 12, 1991 - March 8, 1992
Dictador L. Alqueza	Police Brigadier General	March 8, 1992 - June 5, 1992
Recaredo A. Sarmiento III	Police Brigadier General	June 6, 1992 - August 2, 1994
Edgar Aglipay	Police Brigadier General	August 2, 1994 - June 6, 1996
Marcelo E. Navarro Jr	Police Brigadier General	June 16, 1996 - August 23, 1998
Jose O. Dalumpines	Police Brigadier General	August 14, 1998 - February 14, 2001
Rogelio B. Bathan	Police Brigadier General	February 14, 2001 - September 13, 2002
Servando M. Hizon	Police Brigadier General	September 14, 2002 - December 27, 2003
Silverio D. Alarcio Jr.	Police Bridgadier General	December 9, 2003 - September 7, 2004
Marcelino F. Franco Jr.	Police Brigadier General	September 9, 2004 - February 26, 2006
Silverio D. Alarcio Jr.	Police Brigadier General	February 24, 2006 - May 16, 2006
Leocadio SC Santiago Jr.	Police Major General	March 2007 - 2010
Catalino S. Cuy	Police Major General	2011 - June 2012
Getulio P. Napeñas	Police Major General	December 11, 2013 - January 27, 2015
Moro Virgilio Lazo	Police Brigadier General	January 27, 2015 – March 4, 2015
Noli Taliño	Police Major General	March 4, 2015 – present

References

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Bibliography

• Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) official website (Current Site)
• Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) official website (Last Archive on July 16, 2011)