THE Police Regional Office Central Visayas (PRO 7) honored the memory of the 44 fallen Special Action Force (SAF) commandos during a wreath-laying ceremony at the parade grounds inside Camp Sergio Osmeña in Cebu City on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.
On January 25, 2015, the 44 SAF commandos were killed in Mamasapano in what is now Maguindanao del Sur, while they were trying to capture Malaysian terrorist and bomb-maker Zulkifli Abdhir and other Malaysian terrorists or high-ranking members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Among the victims were three Cebuanos, namely PO3 Junrel Kibete, PO2 Romeo Cempron and PO1 Windel Candano.
The PRO 7 also recognized the sacrifice of Master Sergeant Michael Candido Alde, Staff Sergeant Careby-Cylde Valle Alinsug, Staff Sergeant Jade Carabuena and Corporal Rey Agustilo Ambo, who were killed in the line of duty.
The occasion was attended by Major General Arthur Cabalona, deputy commander of Area Police Command Visayas, and PRO 7 Director Brigadier General Jerry Bearis.
Cabalona delivered the message of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
“Their legacy of heroism is not just a memory, but an inspiration for future generations of police officers to continue to serve with valor and integrity. The legacy -- that we must all strive to uphold. Their actions have shaped the PNP into what it is today and their legacy is something that we must all take great pride in,” he said.
He said Azurin also expressed his warm sympathy to the family and relatives of the fallen heroes, saying the country would always be grateful for their sacrifice. (AYB / PJB)