SAF survivors honored: Oplan Exodus had mission accomplished

The National Police Commission and the Philippine National Police on Friday honored 15 survivors of the Mamasapano mission.

Fourteen survivors from the 84th Special Action Company which neutralized suspected terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan were recognized. 

"[For] his exemplary display of conspicous courage and gallantry while performing law enforcement action as a member of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force particularly in the service of the warrant of arrest against international terrorist a.k.a. Marwan," read the commendation.

Also honored was PO2 Christopher Lalan, the lone survivor of the 55th Special Action Company that was supposed to serve as the blocking force for the members of the 84th SAC.

The honorees were given P10,000 each.
The rites weren't open for video coverage but GMA News was allowed to air portions of the audio recording of the proceedings.



"Kami po, sampu ng aking mga kasama, ay lubos na pagsasalamat sa pagpupugay at pagkilala. Mission accomplished po ang Oplan Exodus," said a member of the 84th SAC.

"Sa mga kasamahan po naming Gallant 44, ipagpatuloy po ninyo ang pagdarasal para sa kanilang katahimikan. sa inyo pong patuloy na pagkilala at pagpupugay, unti unti pong naghihilom ang aming mga sugat, sakatawan, sa isipan, at sa puso," he added.
 

Before the program ended, the SAF survivors made a tribute to their slain compatriots by heading outside the Jessie Robredo Hall to sing "Habang May Buhay" through tears.

 

"People do not understand us, pero we are family. Kung mamatayan ka ng kapatid, assuming na maayos ang relationship niyo dun sa kapatid mo, iiyak ka ba? Ganuon yun," PNP SAF director Chief Supt. Moro Virgilio Lazo said. —NB, GMA News