SAF men did not die in vain, says Palo archbishop

The 44 Special Action Force policemen who died in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25 did not die in vain, Palo Archbishop John Du said over the weekend.

 

Du stressed this at a requiem Mass for three of the slain elite policemen, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said Monday.

 

“The 44 heroes we now honor gave up their lives in order for millions of Filipinos to live in harmony, peace and prosperity. These men who have sacrificed their lives did not die in vain,” he said.

 

Last weekend, Filipinos paid tribute to the fallen 44 by lighting candles and offering Masses and sympathy marches for them.

 

Many also joined calls for justice for the fallen 44, even after the national day of mourning President Benigno Aquino III called last Friday had lapsed.

 

Du presided over a Mass in honor of the fallen 44 at the Philippine National Police regional office in Camp Ruperto Kangleon, the CBCP said on its news site Monday.

 

He also cited Jesus Christ's words: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”

 

SAF men from Eastern Visayas

 

Du said PO2 Noel Balaca, PO2 Glenn Bedua, PO1 Mark Lory Clemencio and the rest of the Fallen 44 are heroes “because they never feared giving up everything including their most treasured life.”

 

Balaca is from Oras, Eastern Samar while Bedua is from Dulag, Leyte. Clemencio is from Carigara.

Other natives of Eastern Visayas included:

 

Ramacula’s remains were brought to Northern Samar after arrival at the Tacloban Airport.

 

Sogonoy’s remains were brought to Bataan.

Balaca, Bedua and Clemencio’s bodies will lie in state for at least one night at the Regional PNP Office before being brought to their respective hometowns. —Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News