FOUR years since the bloody Mamasapano carnage that killed 44 members of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), family members and Cordillera police remembered their heroism in a wreath laying ceremony at the “Heroes Monument” at Camp Bado Dangwa in Benguet Province.
Chief Superintendent Rolando Nana, Police Regional Office Cordillera(PRO - COR) lead the wreath laying and explained the remembrance was in honor of the members of SAF who gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure peace will come supreme over any acts suppression in the country.
“Today’s simultaneous commemoration seeks to instill in our countrymen to remember the bravery, dedication to service, and devotion to duty even at the expense of their lives which they sacrifice for the sake of democracy,” Nana reiterated.
Members of what is now known as SAF 44 were killed in action on January 25, 2016 in the town of Mamasapano in Maguindanao, after undertaking a successful mission dubbed “Oplan Exodus” – to arrest Islamic terrorists Marwan and Usman.
“Most of the relatives of the members of SAF 44 were invited at their headquarters in Bicutan, and here at Camp Dangwa, we were able to invite Mrs. Edna Tabdi, the mother of Chief Inspector Gednat Tabdi and two of his siblings in our wreath laying ceremonies. It is a gesture of our respect for those brave men who have shown their their heroic acts for the people of our nation,” Nana added.
Police Officer 1 Alchin Tabdi, pointed out his continuing service after being reassigned in the province of Benguet from Maguindanao, for fear of reprisal coming from the MILF.
“Despite losing my brother who gave his life for democracy, I would like to continue serving as a police officer and to be an example to the Filipinos by showing our dedication to duty and country,” Tabdi added.
The botched extraction and subsequent rescue operations sealed the fate of the elite troopers in most horrific execution-style by supposed Muslim rebels belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“Despite what happened to the 14 Cordillera members of SAF 44, we continue to have a large contingent of Cordillera Policemen who are members of SAF. When I was in Bicutan, we had five battalions of the PNP organized with most of its members coming from the Cordillera,” Nana stated.
Nana added all benefits have been accorded to the relatives of SAF 44 especially with the various financial assistance and benefits provided for by the government.
Recalling the events that transpired four years, former SAF44 Board of Inquiry (BOI) chairman now retired Police Director Benjamin Magalong said members of the BOI and CIDG made personal sacrifices for what they believed was a cause greater than their selves.
“I knew that my role in the Board could jeopardize my career. On the other hand, we had to uphold our reputation, our credibility and integrity,” Magalong added. “There were persistent pressures to whitewash the investigation. There were also assurances that we will be profusely rewarded if we give in to their demands.”
While there were pressures, Magalong recalled how he had to decide to sign that 125-page document together with four others.
“But we stood our ground. Kami ay nanindigan sa panig ng katotohanan base sa nakalap naming mga ebidensiya para bigyan ng hustisya ang pagkamatay ng mga magigiting na pulis at ang kanilang iniwang pamilya.”
Magalong continued the public owed the SAF 44, and their families.
“We wanted justice to be served. We stepped forward where others would have just declined to tread because we wanted to regain the trust and confidence of the public towards the PNP,” Magalong added.