Diane Hora | iMINDSPH
Manila, Philippines - In a solemn ceremony held at the Philippine National Police Academy, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr led the highest tribute to honor the bravery and heroism of the SAF 44 on this year's National Day of Remembrance with the theme "Valiant Men with Unparalleled Devotion to God, Country, and People: A Blessing to a Victorious Nation."
Today marks the ninth anniversary of the encounter that claimed the lives of 44 SAF troopers in the town of Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on January 25, 2015.
President Marcos, alongside DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr, led the wreath-laying ceremony to honor the fallen heroes.
During his address, the President stated, "We would also be disrespecting their memory if we give quarters to those who terrorize our people. We would be devaluing their valor if we cede our territory to those who would trespass upon it. Although fighting machines thery were, they were not apostles of permanent war. They were warriors for peace who wanted to see the day when swords were pounded into plowshares. Let our reverence for these men be always accompanied by a deeper reflection, so we too can summon the fight in ourselves to build a better future for our nation."
The National Day of Remembrance is in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 164, which declares January 25 of each year as a day to honor and remember the SAF 44 members.
In the early hours of January 15, 2015, the PNP SAF Troopers launched Operation Exodus, also known as Oplan Exodus, to serve arrest warrants to two High-Value Targets, Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan and Basit Usman in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Apart from the SAF 44, the encounter also resulted in the loss of 18 MILF members and five civilians.
As the day ends, the nation embraces a moment of silence to remember the fallen heroes and recommit to the pursuit of peace, justice, and a better future for the Filipino people.
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