N. Ecija police honors SAF 44, cops who died in frontline

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25, 2022): N. Ecija police honors SAF 44, cops who died in frontline (By Marilyn Galang)

GIVING HONOR. Widows of police officers in Nueva Ecija light up candles on Tuesday (Jan. 25, 2022) for the 44 Special Action Forces (SAF) troops who were killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25, 2015, and their loved ones who died while fighting criminals or serving as front-liners against Covid-19. The widows received certificates of recognition as a tribute to their husbands. (Photo by Marilyn Galang)

Four police personnel who died in action, including those who died of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) while serving as front-liners, were conferred with posthumous awards as the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office also remembered and honored on Tuesday the 44 Special Action Forces (SAF) troops who were killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao seven years ago.

Col. Jess Mendez, acting Nueva Ecija police director, led the giving of recognition to Senior Police Officer 1 (SPO1) Marlon Francisco, intelligence operative of Santa Rosa Municipal Police Station; SPO1 Gregorio Jacinto Jr., supply and range officer of the Provincial Public Safety Company; Staff Sergeant Roy Empaynado, front-liner of Peñaranda Police Station; and Master Sergeant Baltazar Sacro, front-liner of Jaen Police Station.

Francisco died when he was hit by a bullet during the successful rescue of a hostage victim on June 6, 2017, while Jacinto was killed in an anti-illegal drugs operation that resulted in the arrest of a "most wanted person" on Dec. 14, 2014.

Both serving as front-liners in the government's fight against Covid-19, Empaynado and Sacro succumbed to the virus on May 14, 2021, and Jan. 14, 2022, respectively.

Their respective widows received the certificates of recognition as they joined Mendez in offering wreaths for the SAF men who died in a firefight with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters on Jan. 25, 2015.

"It is but fitting to pay tribute to them, including our comrades in Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office who offered their lives as they battle against criminality and the dreadful Covid-19 disease," Mendez said during the event.

He also said while the battle against criminality and the virus continues, policemen are now also faced with the huge task of securing honest and peaceful local and national elections in May.

"The greater challenges ahead of us remind us to be alert, dedicated, and truthful," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1166300