Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla on Tuesday underscored the vital role of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) in safeguarding national security as he urged newly graduated commandos to remain faithful to their oath amid evolving security challenges.

Speaking at the SAF Commando Course graduation rites at Fort Sto. Domingo, Remulla said the country faces complex challenges, including internal groups seeking to destabilize the nation.

“Marami kayong haharapin na mga suliranin. Nandyan ang iba’t ibang hanay na gustong sumira sa ating bansa,” he said. “Stay true to your oath. Stay true to your country.”

Remulla described the SAF Commando Course as a defining milestone not only for the graduates but also for the nation, noting that it consistently produces “the best and the brightest” of the police force.

He emphasized that the elite training completed by the graduates was shaped by the hard lessons and sacrifices of those who came before them, equipping today’s commandos to confront modern security threats with discipline, courage, and unity.

The DILG Secretary also honored the fallen members of the Special Action Force 44, reminding the graduates that service in the SAF carries both prestige and the weight of ultimate sacrifice.

“Sino bang hindi gustong maging SAF? It is the pride of every PNP officer to be called a Special Action Force Commando. Wherever you go, carry that identity with honor,” Remulla said.

A total of 111 police commissioned and non-commissioned officers holding the ranks of Police Major, Police Captain, Police Lieutenant, and Patrolman from Regions 5, 6, 8, 10, and PNP-SAF successfully completed the course. They are now authorized to wear the SAF black beret, Commando badge or pin, and Commando tab.

The PNP-SAF Commando Course is an elite, high-intensity training program that prepares officers in counterterrorism, internal security operations, special reconnaissance, jungle and urban warfare, and tactical combat leadership. Regarded as one of the toughest courses in the PNP, it demands exceptional physical endurance, mental resilience, and operational competence for high-risk missions.

During the same event, Remulla also congratulated the PNP-SAF SWAT team that represented the Philippines in the UAE SWAT Challenge 2026 in Dubai, placing 14th overall among 109 teams from 48 countries.