Sara: SAF 44 sacrifice a reminder of importance of national unity

Nine years after their heroic deaths in Mamasapano in Maguindanao, the sacrifice of the 44 fallen commandos of the Special Action Force (SAF) lives on as a "powerful reminder" on the importance of uniting as a nation, Vice President Sara Duterte said Saturday.

Duterte made the remark in a video message on the National Day of Remembrance of the Heroic Sacrifice of the SAF 44.

"May the lessons learned from this tragic loss inspire us to work together to overcome challenges and strive for a safer and more secure future for all Filipinos," the Vice President said.

She added, "SAF 44 is a powerful reminder of the importance of national unity and our collective responsibility to protect our country's security."

In January 2015, a total of 44 SAF elite commandos—known collectively as the SAF 44—were killed after an encounter with combined fighters from the MILF, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other armed elements in the area.

Terrorists Zulkilfi bin Hir, alias Marwan, was slain in the operation while Basit Usman was killed by authorities in May of the same year.

In 2017, then-President Rodrigo Duterte declared January 25 as the National Day of Remembrance for the SAF 44.

"As we continue to honor their lives and extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones, let us also acknowledge the complexities and dangers faced by those who serve in law enforcement and the armed forces," the vice president said.

Last December, a Taguig court convicted two Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commanders for the deaths of the slain SAF commandos.

Abubakar Guiaman and Mohammad Ali Tambako were convicted of 35 counts of homicide, which was lower than the initial charge of direct assault with murder. Nonetheless, the Department of Justice considered this a "court victory" that resulted from an unrelenting pursuit for justice.

The next month, however, Getulio Napeñas Jr., the former SAF chief during the 2015 clash, expressed belief that justice has yet to be served for the SAF 44, saying  complaints had yet to be lodged against those who killed them at that time.

The Sandiganbayan acquitted Napeñas and former PNP chief Alan Purisima of graft and usurpation charges for their involvement in the Mamasapano anti-terrorist operation. — VDV, GMA Integrated News