THE Philippine National Police headed by General Dionardo B. Carlos yesterday paid tribute to the 44 gallant Special Action Force commandos who died in a secret mission to neutralize Southeast Asia’s most wanted terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias ‘Marwan’ in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

Himself a SAF trooper, Gen. Carlos motored to the PNP-SAF headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City to lead the PNP’s National Day of Observance of the bravery of the 44 fallen commandos.

The PNP chief described the operation codenamed ‘Oplan Exodus’ as one of “the most unforgettable and devastating incidents in the history of police service.”

The mission left the 44 SAF commandos dead after they succeeded in killing ‘Marwan’ with all hell breaking out after they were assaulted by hundreds of heavily-armed members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Then PNP-SAF director, Major Gen. Getulio N. Napeñas said that his men could have killed over 200 of their attackers before they were gunned down.

President Duterte signed Presidential Proclamation No. 164 which declared January 25 of every year as a day of national remembrance in honor of the heroic death of the 44 troopers.

With the proclamation, the nation honors the memory of the Gallant 44’s noble deeds and acts of valor that will serve as a constant reminder of the continuing sacrifices made by valiant uniformed men and women in the line of duty.

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra was the guest of honor and speaker during the occasion which was also attended by the families of the 44 commandos.

“To the families they left behind, they were sons, brothers, husbands and fathers. To the people and country they served, they were and are heroes whose devotion to the nation proves more powerful than death itself. The plight of these 44 heroes is a story ink in history and etched in our collective memory,” Sec. Guevarra said in his message.

In line with this year’s commemoration theme “The Dedication and Sacrifice of the Men of Valor is the Pinnacle of Patriotism, Sec. Guevarra said that the death of SAF 44 gave birth to heroes whom this nation is and will forever be indebted to.

“They paid the highest cost for the priceless gift that we enjoy today, the gift of living with peace and liberty far from harm and free from fear,” he said.
Gen. Carlos led his men in paying tribute to the bravery of the SAF 44.

“Never again we are going to allow history to repeat itself. The tragic loss of SAF 44 is a lesson learned we must not forget. Their lives are irreplaceable. Like generations of warrior heroes before them, our SAF 44 gave everything they had, not for glory, nor for any gratitude, but for something greater than themselves,” he remarked.

On the same day, the PNP also remembered the 126 police personnel who passed away after contracting COVID-19.

PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, Lieutenant Gen. Joselito M. Vera Cruz led the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Bantayog ng mga Bayaning Tagapamayapa at Camp Crame.