Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen.
Gregorio Pio Catapang has ordered all military installations in the country to
place their flags at half-mast effective Tuesday, in recognition of the bravery
and sacrifices made by the 49 Special Action Forces (SAF) members who died in
action in Maguindanao Sunday.
AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said
this is also done to show solidarity with the Philippine National Police.
The gestures also show the AFP's mourning and respects to
the fallen officers and personnel of the SAF who were killed in an encounter
with combined elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Moro
Islamic Liberation Front in Pidsandawan, Masasapano town, Maguinadanao Sunday.
“We mourn the loss of these brave policemen who paid the
ultimate sacrifice while fighting for our country. They fought heroically and
they have not died in vain,” Catapang said.
Under Republic Act 8491, the Philippine Flag can be flown at
half-mast as a sign of mourning on official announcement of the death of select
government officials or other persons to be determined by the National
Historical Institute.
In his directive, Catapang ordered the General Headquarters
and all other AFP camps, bases, and stations to fly the flag at half-mast for a
period of five days starting Jan. 27 at 8a.m.
The Military Ordinariate of the Philippines that has
jurisdiction over military, police, and coast guard chaplains also requested
for prayers among the faithful.
“Our Military Bishop Leopoldo S. Tumulak has requested all
AFP, PNP and Coast Guard chaplains to include the fallen SAF personnel in their
mass intentions for the repose of their souls,” AFP Chaplain Service head Col.
Tirso A. Dolina said.
There will also be a mass dedicated to the fallen SAF men at
the St. Ignatius De Loyola Cathedral, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City 6:30 a.m.
Wednesday.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=729491
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