PBBM TO FILIPINOS: DRAW INSPIRATION FROM SAF 44’s HEROISM IN DEFENDING SOVEREIGNTY

THE nation can honor and draw inspiration from the heroism of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) policemen who were killed in a firefight in Mamasapano, Maguindanao nine years ago, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said.

“We would also be disrespecting their memory if we give quarters to those who terrorize our people. We would be devaluing their valor if we cede our territory to those who would trespass upon it,” President Marcos said during the National Day of Remembrance of the Heroic Sacrifice of the SAF 44 in Camp Gen. Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite.

“Although fighting machines they were, they were not apostles of permanent war. They were warriors for peace who wanted to see the day when swords were pounded into plowshares,” the President said.

Marcos told Filipinos that the defiant stand of the SAF 44 still echoes today, which is a clarion call for unity and action against the challenges they face.

“Let our reverence for these men be always accompanied by a deeper reflection, so we too can summon the fight in ourselves to build a better future for our nation,” the President said.

And to the comrades-in-arms of the Brave 44, the President made a call to honor their memory “by never letting down the flag that they fought for” and by being a worthy stewards of their devotion to duty, fidelity to the oath, and love for country.

The President also expressed sympathies to the loved ones of the slain 44 police commandos, hoping that they can find comfort knowing that a grateful nation, still nursing a big hole in their hearts, feels deeply as much.

Marcos said it is the obligation of the State to help realize the SAF 44’s dreams for their families, for their children, for their comrades, and for the Filipino people as a way of giving meaning to their valor.

Among the assistance provided by the government to the families of SAF 44 include housing assistance at P12.3 million; educational assistance, P26.24 million; and livelihood assistance at P16.33 million (partially released).

Other assistance provided were the enrollment of each beneficiary in the PhilHealth Lifetime Premium coverage in 2016 and employment of some of the beneficiaries in government agencies, including in the Philippine National Police.

The 44 policemen were killed in a firefight with Muslim rebels during an operation in a remote village in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

The SAF operation, codenamed “Oplan Exodus,” successfully neutralized Malaysian bomb maker and Jemaah Islamiyah leader Zulkifli Bin Hir alias “Marwan.”

On February 21, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation No. 164, declaring January 25 of every year as the Day of National Remembrance for the SAF 44.