PNP holds Mass, wreath-laying in tribute to fallen SAF 44

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday paid tribute to the 44 commandos of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) who perished in a fierce encounter with various armed groups on January 25, 2015 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde led the police memorial honors at the Special Action Force Memorial Park in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, where he was guest of honor and keynote speaker, while newly-installed SAF director Chief Superintendent Amando Clifton Empiso Ang hosted the event.

Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Guillermo Eleazar led the wreath-laying ceremony at the SAF 44 monument where a field Mass was held, officiated by PNP Chaplain Superintendent Ronie Arong.

President Rodrgigo Duterte issued Presidential Proclamation No. 164 on February 21, 2017, declaring January 25 of every year as the National Day of Remembrance in honor of the Fallen SAF 44.

On January 25, 2015, under cover of darkness, the SAF members were sent to Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, to neutralize international terrorists Zulkifli Bin-Hir alias Marwan and Bassit Usman.

The police commandos were able to kill Marwan but they were ambushed by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other armed groups in the area.

Eighteen MILF members and three civilians were also killed in the incident, which put in question then the peace negotiations between the government and the MILF.

Former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, former PNP chief Alan Purisima, and former SAF director Getulio Napeñas are now facing charges before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the clash.

The Office of the Ombudsman charged Aquino for influencing Purisima, who was forced to defy his preventive suspension and the PNP chain of command, in planning the operation.

The National Day of Remembrance for SAF 44 this year will culminate on Sunday, January 27, with a 44-kilometer bike ride from Luneta Park in Manila to Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The on-site public registration will start at 2 a.m., then the flag-off will be at exactly 5 a.m. — RSJ, GMA News