Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Benhur’ C. Abalos Jr. visited the wake of the slain Ampatuan, Maguindanao police chief and another policeman who following an ambush on Tuesday, Aug. 30.
Abalos and his companions went to a local funeral parlor to visit the wake of Samsom where he put a medal for his valor and heroism on the cover of his casket.

“Both were awarded with citations which were handed personally by the Secretary, along with other forms of assistance," the DILG said in a statement.
A "Medalya ng Kadakilaan" was also given to PSMS (Police Senior Master Sergeant) Reynante T. Quinalayo, PRO BAR, and also to Police Corporals Dayaday and de la Cuesta.
Ampatuan chief of police Lt. Reynaldo Samson and his men were on their way to serve the warrant of arrest to Kamir Kambal alias Meds in Barangay Kapinpilan in Ampatuan when they were waylaid by 10 fully armed men on Aug. 30. Samson and his driver Police Corporal Salipudin Endab died on the spot while Police Corporals Rogelio dela Cuesta and Clint Marc Dayaday suffered gunshot wounds during the attack.
Abalos also pledged full support to the wounded police personnel.
The DILG chief had a closed-door meeting with Governor Mangudadatu and the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) field officers to discuss the various approaches in running after the suspects of the ambush.