PNP marks National Day of Remembrance for SAF 44's 6th death anniversary

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 26, 2021): PNP marks National Day of Remembrance for SAF 44's 6th death anniversary (By Nonette N. Castillo) 

CALOOCAN CITY, Jan. 26 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday marked the National Day of Remembrance and 6th anniversary of the botched police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25,2015, which killed 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF), the families of the slain government troopers continue to hope that justice will finally be served.

The PNP held an honoring program and a wreath lying ceremony at its General Headquarters located in Camp Crame in Quezon City,

A Mass was also celebrated at the chapels of PNP camps today to commemorate the 6th anniversary of their death in the hands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

"Nakikiisa ang Pambansang Pulisya ng Pilipinas sa buong bansa sa ika-anim na taon ng pagpupugay at paggunita sa Sakripisyo at Kabayanihan ng SAF 44," the PNP said on Facebook.

Dubbed as SAF 44, their families have received educational aid and livelihood assistance from the government.

But they continue to call on President Rodrigo Duterte to make good on his promise to grant all 44 members of the elite police force, a Medal of Valor and increase their family’s monthly pension.

A Medal of Valor would mean a full scholarship, from grade school to college, for the children of the 44 policemen.

In November 2017, the Office of the Ombudsman filed graft and usurpation of authority charges against former President Benigno Aquino III before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the Mamasapano incident.

The anti-graft office said Aquino allegedly conspired with former PNP chief Alan Purisima, who was then under preventive suspension, and PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) chief Getulio Napeñas in implementing Oplan Exodus that led to the deaths of 44 police commandos, dubbed as the SAF 44.

It said Aquino “allowed himself to be persuaded, induced, or influenced” to violate the PNP chain of command and the Ombudsman’s preventive suspension order against Purisima. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1064806