Kin of SAF 44 from Cordillera conduct ritual in Mamasapano

Some of the relatives of the members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force who perished while carrying out Oplan Exodus on January 25, 2015 went to Mamasapano, Maguindanao all the way from the Cordillera region to perform a ritual a year after their loved ones died.

A report by Jun Veneracion on GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali” on Monday said that the ritual was called “aray-ab,” which is conducted following tragic accidents supposedly  to bring home the spirit of the dead.

Most of the 44 elite police officers who died in Mamasapano a year ago hailed from the Cordillera region.

The report said that the ritual performed can help the families of the slain commandos with their healing process, believing the spirit of their loved ones can “go home”.

Not just SAF 44

While the relatives of the SAF members continue to cry for justice for what happened during the operation, the local government unit of Mamasapano reminds the public to also remember the 17 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and five civilians who died during the encounter.

“Nakakalungkot lang na ang pinapansin lang ay ang SAF. Hindi ko naman sinasabi na huwag pansinsin. But sana, pati iyong sibilyan—especially ang sibilyan. Wala naman silang kinalaman doon sa nangyari pero nadamay sila,” Mayor Benzar Ampatuan said.

In fact, a widow of a civilian killed during the encounter between SAF and Moro groups has decided to find a better future in Oman, noting the meager assistance she receives from the government.

Mamasapano, one year after

Much has changed in Mamasapano a year after the bloody Oplan Exodus was carried out.

There is now a concrete road going to Barangay Tukanalipao, the ground zero of the encounter. A new bridge was also built so residents no longer have to use the old one where the policemen and the Moro fighters initially had a standoff.

An irrigation project is also underway.

“Tuluy-tuloy naman naming ini-engage ng mga tao rito para sa ganoon ay mawala na iyong mga hindi magagandang nangyayari. In fact, in coordination with the local government units, dito concentrated ang mga projects. That’s part of the healing process na ginagawa natin,” Col. Cirilito Sobejana of the Army 601st Brigade said. -Trisha Macas/NB, GMA News