Former Philippine National Police Special Action Force Director, M/Gen. Benjamin M. Lusad, has retired on Dec. 31 after serving the country for 39 years.
In simple retirement rites at Camp Bado Dangwa in La Trinidad, Benguet, Lusad was honored by colleagues, family, and friends for his illustrious career and outstanding leadership.
Lusad, who hails from Bontoc, Mountain Province, was one of the five young officers of the then Philippine Constabulary (now PNP) who started their military careers in Camp Bado Dang-wa after graduating from Ranger School in 1985.
He was with former PRO-Cor Director Rolando Nana, Manuel Velasco, Pete Obaldo and Marlou Chan, who were all assigned to the Regional Special Action Company, Regional Command 1 and deployed to Mountain Province.
Lusad said he was inspired to enter the Philippine Military Academy when, as a gradeschooler, he often found himself looking at the framed photograph of Cadet 1Cl Rogelio Aguana displayed at the All Saint’s Mission Elementary School Library in Bontoc.
He entered PMA on April 1, 1981 and graduated as a member of the “Sandiwa” Class of 1985.
“Most of my career was spent in the field, from my junior officer days up to the time that I was the director of the PNP Special Action Force. At this point in time, I would like to thank and acknowledge the junior officers and troops who served with me. They, who had my back as I did for them. Without our troops, I would not be here today,” he said.
In the early 90s, Lusad volunteered for two United Nations peacekeeping missions – the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia in 1993 and the UN Missions in Haiti in 1994.
“Working in mission areas taught me patience and that respect for other people for who they are goes a long way in working effectively amidst different cultural settings,” he said.
Lusad was able to lead his respective areas to achieve four national citations in four different designations: Best Provincial Mobile Group of the Year in 1999 for La Union PPO; Best Police Station of the Year in 2002 for Bauang Police Station; Best National Operational Support Unit of the Year in 2015 for PNP Anti-illegal Drugs Operations Task Force; and Best National Operational Support unit of the Year in 2016 for PNP SAF.
He also served as director of Ilocos Norte, Benguet and Abra PPOs.
It was in May 2013 national and local elections that Abra, for the first time, has not recorded a single death before, during, and after the election.
In 2014, Lusad was designated as chief of the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force where he led the group to dismantle illegal drugs network in the country and arrest of high-profile drug personalities.
He was promoted to a star-rank as executive officer of the PNP Directorate for Operations in 2015, where he designed the Basic Counter-Insurgency Program for all PNP recruits, which was adopted by the PNP and now called the Basic Internal Security Operations Course.
He assumed command of the PNP SAF in 2016. On May 2017, he led the SAF in partnership with the Philippine Army’s Special Operations Command for the tactical operations.
The Marawi siege lasted for five months where the AFP’s top brass was tested.
He said most of the troops who fought in Marawi came from the Cordillera and were led by Lt/Cols. Lambert Suerte, Mario Mayames, Ledon Monte, Jack Angog, and Rex Malimban.
“I have given my all, for the PNP SAF and the service and I stand proud knowing fully well that I have done my responsibility of seeing our troops safe, through every mission we engage in and elevating SAF where it should be,” Lusad said.
“Now I have reached the ultimate goal of my career and as I hang up my uniform, my beret, and my boots, I do so with humility and gratitude to the Almighty. I have served my country and I have served it well. To my family, I am home,” he said. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 27, 2024
