The Philippine National Police-Special Action Forces (PNP-SAF) most popular symbol among its entire uniform is the black beret head gear of the country’s most elite police unit. According to PNP-SAF, the black beret is a symbol of their dedication to fight – and die – for the country.
Former DILG Secretary Rafael Alunan III noted in 2012 that the much coveted black beret shows that its wearer has gone through the extremely difficult SAF training course and it is only worn after the recruit has faced in the enemy in the field of combat.
The black beret sports the SAF insignia, composed of four symbols representing the different trainings that each member receives: the tabak (commando course), the wings (airborne course); the crosshair (urban counter revolutionary warfare course) and the water (scuba course).
All PNP-SAF members undergone four months of rigorous commando course developed to “transform an average law enforcer into a modern day warrior.” The SAF training is held at Fort Sto. Domingo in Laguna, and is taken prior to the test mission that will be held for another month. Black berets are issued only after recruits complete a mission.
Based upon the brief introduction to the SAF’s training course read that “The course was designed to give the troopers combat capability in both rural and urban areas in response to calls for help in times of emergencies and crisis.”
The present program of the PNP-SAF includes internal security operations, waterborne rescue, police intervention, barangay module, operational testing and field training experience. SAF also offers sniper, airborne, K-9 and maritime tactical operations courses.
The PNP-SAF also known as “Tagaligtas” was created in 1980s under the leadership of then chief of the Philippine Constabulary (PC) former President Fidel Ramos, the SAF was envisioned to create elite units to address the various threats to national security and revitalize the military.