CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Members of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPO), in cooperation with the Central Luzon Police Regional Office and graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), recently participated in the nationwide unity walk for 44 elite cops who were slain during the ill-fated operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.
The said unity walk was intended to observe the 44th day since the clash between elite members of the Philippine police and Moro rebels that also left 18 rebels and three civilians dead.
About 400 police personnel and volunteers attended the march, which traversed from the Provincial Capitol to the regional police headquarters in Camp Olivas.
The sympathizers wore white shirts with black armbands to symbolize their call for justice for the slain Special Action Force (SAF) members.
"We walked for more than four kilometers together with our personnel, who volunteered to join the unity walk to show sympathy for our killed brothers," said Police Chief Inspector Cherry Lou Donato while expressing her demand for justice for the SAF 44.
A short candle-lighting program was also held to commend the bravery of the Fallen 44.
"All of us are really praying and crying for justice because the culprits behind this operation are still not held accountable. This is also a chance for the police to draw inspiration from the SAF 44 commandos in fulfilling their duties even if it would mean that they have to die for the country,” said Police Superintendent Jean Fajardo, chief of Lubao police.
The death of the 44 brave SAF troopers and commandos should not go in vain, she added.