Caraga cops honor SAF 44 on 7th anniv of Mamasapano clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25, 2022): Caraga cops honor SAF 44 on 7th anniv of Mamasapano clash (By Alexander Lopez)

Photo provided by PRO-13 Information Office

BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) held a memorial ceremony here Tuesday for the National Day of Remembrance to honor the heroism of the 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) who were killed during a counterterrorism operation in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25, 2015.

The activity, led by PRO-13 director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., was held at the headquarters of the PRO-13 at Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez in Barangay Libertad.

The commemoration was graced by Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Olay, the Philippine National Police (PNP) acting director for logistics, who also served as the guest of honor and speaker.

Caramat and Olay also led the wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the SAF 44 at the PRO-13 Law Enforcement Memorial inside the headquarters.

“Through the celebration of the National Day of Remembrance, the Filipino people, particularly in Caraga region, will continue to honor the lives and heroism of the 44 members of the police force which made the supreme sacrifice to fulfill their duty, that is ‘to serve and protect’,” Caramat said.

In February 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte declared January 25 of every year as the National Day of Remembrance for the SAF 44.

Caramat stressed that the nation must remember the exceptional brand of gallantry and love of the country that the SAF 44 had shown during the counterterrorism operation in Mamasapano.

“Their gallantry and heroism should be engraved in the minds of Filipinos not only today but also in the future,” he said.

Olay also conveyed the message of PNP chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos, during the occasion.

“This commemoration is the day where we ought to reflect for their (SAF 44) unselfish deeds for our country which symbolizes the heart of a true warrior and that the country owed their families a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid,” Olay said.

The slain troopers were part of a 475-man SAF unit that successfully raided the secret hideout of Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, a Malaysian terrorist and bomb maker, in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1166290