President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the public Thursday to remember the heroic sacrifices of the Special Action Force (SAF) 44 policemen, who displayed the courage to secure peace in the country nine years ago.
“Let us not forget about the peace they fought for. In honoring the SAF 44, let us continue striving towards a New Philippines,” the President said in Filipino during a wreath-laying ceremony on the 9th death anniversary of the special police force at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite.
President Marcos stressed the enduring legacy of the “Brave 44,” echoing a call for unity and action against challenges. “We would also be disrespecting their memory if we give quarter to those who terrorize our people,” he said.
“We would be devaluing their valor if we cede our territory to those who would trespass upon it,” the President said.
“It is now up to us, who lived, who benefited from their full measure of devotion to duty, to build a kinder and gentler society, wherein those they have left behind can live in peace and prosperity. That is the mission they have left us to pursue when they did not return from their last patrol,” he said.
President Marcos said that homage to these heroes can only be paid by earnestly working towards the realization of dreams for family, loved ones, comrades, and the people.
Reflecting on the lessons drawn from the last hours and the place of honor of the SAF 44, he urged the nation to prioritize the collective good, exhibit courage in challenging circumstances, resolve to forge ahead, and never succumb to adversity.
President Marcos also extended his heartfelt wishes for the comfort of the loved ones of the SAF 44, urging comrades-in-arms to uphold their memory by unwaveringly defending the ideals and principles they fought for.
The 44 SAF commandos lost their lives in a firefight with insurgents during the “Oplan Exodus” police operation to neutralize Malaysian bomb maker and Jemaah Islamiyah leader Zulkifli Bin Hir, alias Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on Jan. 25, 2015.
On Feb. 21, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation No. 164, declaring Jan. 25 of every year as the Day of National Remembrance for the SAF 44.
Nine years since their “massacre” in a tactical operation that went south in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, former PNP-SAF commander Getulio Napeñas Jr. said justice has not been served for his fallen officers.
Napeñas lamented that to this day, no formal complaints have been filed against those who killed the policemen.
The policemen were slain in 2015 following a clash with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and other armed combatants in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano.
They were sent on a mission to capture high-ranking Malaysian terrorists who went into hiding in Mindanao. Government forces managedto neutralize the targets but lost the 44 PNP-SAF commandos in the process.
Napeñas took full responsibility for the incident and was relieved from his position. He went on trial for charges of graft and usurpation of authority along with former PNP Chief Alan Purisima, but the Sandiganbayan acquitted both in 2020.
The government later entered into a peace agreement with the MILF, leading to the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), to prevent further hostilities. But, according to Napeñas, this is not enough.
“Do you think justice has been served when no case has been filed against them?” the former PNP-SAF commander wondered.
“Is it enough that there was a peace process back then? You be the judge,” he told reporters.