AS the country observed the National Day of Remembrance for the so-called Gallant 44 this week, the director of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force said that proud memories of the fallen commandos have spurred their fellows to become everyday heroes especially for the country’s ‘poorest of the poor.’

“To all of us, the SAF 44 had fought yesterday but never again will, today and the days ahead. It is for us to stand where they left off, to move and embody the ideals which spurred them to patriotic action. To dedicate our service to the highest sense of public service, the work is left for us to continue and build on,” said Major General Edgar Alan O. Okubo.

The PNP-SAF director welcomed Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin and PNP chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. at the SAF headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by the 44 commandos on January 25, 2015, a feat which Maj. Gen. Okubo is a ‘true story of life and heroism and a story of inspiration for the future generations.’

The PNP led by Gen. Azurin proudly remembered the SAF 44 who perished in a mission to neutralize Southeast Asia’s most wanted terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Wedneday.

Police nationwide honored the memory of the 44 who offered the ultimate sacrifice on January 25, 2015 while in a mission to get Marwan and other Malaysian bomb-making experts in what is known known as the ‘Mamasapano Massacre.’ The United States government offered a US$5 million reward for the neutralization of Marwan.

“Our gathering today is a reminder that in this modern times, we are not deficient of heroes. A reminder that heroes can be anyone of us,” said Maj. Gen. Okubo.

“ Those troopers who spent their holidays in a far-flung area in Barangay Dumagmang (in Labo, Camarines Norte) just to bring in government service to the people, those troopers who spent the holidays trekking the rugged mountains of Sierra Made in Sitio Mapedya (in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija) just to bring the spirit of Christmas to a long been neglected community,” he added.

He referred to SAF troopers who are trying hard to negotiate with the residents of Sitio Gitna in Caloocan City to relocate from their shanties for the completion of a four-lane highway that will spur the development in the metropolis which many who came before them failed to succeed as well as a SAF trooper who while enjoying the company of his family during the holidays in Cauayan City in Isabela bravely went out to arrest a man who fired his gun indiscriminately during the New Year revelries.

“Indeed, the lives of the SAF 44 will ever be a reminder that in this hollowed ground, troopers continue to embody their best example of heroism in many ways, always.

“Our commemoration today is a renewal of our commitment. Each of one us has the ability to be more than ourselves for this country. To wear the hat of a generous giver to a needy neighbor, to extend someone’s life by donating blood, or if time calls for it, offer our lives like what the SAF 44 did in the battle for peace in Mindanao, let us recommit ourselves in doing-whether in small or a big way-for the benefit of our country,” Maj. Gen. Okubo said.

During the event, the official made mention of the 44 troopers’ lives well lived.

“We are given only one life and we are given free will on how to live it, but the Gallant 44 chose to live it the way they did eight years ago.Their lives were never wasted. Their lives will never be forgotten,” he said

Executive Sec. Bersamin said that the Mamasapano mission was an unqualified success because it led to the confirmed killing of Marwan, an expert in the making of improvised explosives devices.

“The success was resounding and worthy of celebration by all peace-loving peoples and nations, for every time that a terrorist like Marwan is meted justice, the victims of terrorism- regardless of their nationalities are gloriously vindicated,” Bersamin said.

Gen. Azurin said that the “heroism of SAF 44 will be forever etched in the books of our country’s history that will never be forgotten.”

“ Like the generations of warrior heroes before them, our fallen SAF 44 gave everything they had, not for glory or recognition, but for something greater than themselves. The least we can do is to remember them and their ultimate sacrifice,” the top cop said.

Gen. Azurin also reminded everybody that the legacy of heroism of SAF 44 is not just a memory, but an inspiration for future generations of police officers to continue to serve with valor and integrity.

“We will continue to honor their memory and supreme sacrifice as we make sure that their legacy lives on through our actions and dedication to the service. They will always be remembered as true heroes, who have given their lives for the service of Filipinos,” he said.

Other top PNP officials, many of them former SAF troopers and some widows and relatives of the slain troopers also graced the ceremony.

One of them, Mrs. Haslyn Acob, the widow of Police Master Sergeant Rodrigo Fernandez Acob Jr. delivered a message during the ceremony.

“Today, we remember the unfathomable pain, but as a wife of a hero, I want to encourage the whole Filipino people, sana ay naging huwaran sila sa ating lahat na gawin ang ating mga tungkulin, maliit man o malaki para makatulong tayo sa pagkamit ng lasting peace and prosperity sa ating bansa,” Mrs Acob said.

As per Presidential Proclamation No. 164, issued by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, January 25th of every year is officially recognized as the National Day of Remembrance for the Heroic Sacrifice SAF 44.

This significant moment in the history of police service serves as a tribute to the sacrifices made by our uniformed men and women in the line of duty and a recognition of their acts of valor.