ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) commemorated the Day of National Remembrance for the fallen Special Action Force (SAF) 44 through a wreath-laying ceremony at the Heroes’ Wall in Camp Delgado yesterday.
The Deputy Chief for Operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Police Lieutenant General Israel Ephraim Dickson, led the ceremony.
The SAF 44 were the 44 Special Action Force police commandoes who died in a mission to capture Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao province on Jan. 25, 2015.
“This day of commemoration is the day when we ought to reflect their unselfish deeds for our country, which symbolize the heart of a true warrior,” according to Dickson.
He added: “Though, we cannot repay their heroism, they will always be remembered in our hearts for they fought bravely up to their last breath.”
Though the mission was declared successful since the target, Marwan, was neutralized, the operation caught the attention of the public for the relatively high number of police officers killed. The clash has been dubbed as the biggest loss of government elite force in history.
“May the memories of the gallant SAF 44 serve as constant inspiration to strengthen our faith in God and continue our sworn duty to protect the public from lawless elements, criminal acts, terrorism and anti-illegal drugs that ruin the future of our children,” said Dickson.
Also present in yesterday’s wreath-laying ceremony Police Brigadier General Flynn Dongbo (Western Visayas police director); Jennifer Allaga, wife of one of the fallen SAF 44; and Police Captain Melchor Patna-an, company commander 63rd Special Action Company, 6th Special Action Battalion./PN
