Heroism of ‘SAF 44’ remembered, justice still elusive 7 years later

POLICE ON Tuesday remembered the 7^th anniversary of the so-called Mamasapano massacre where 44 members of the elite Special Action Force were brutally killed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in Maguindanao province.

Various police headquarters in Mindanao commemorated the anniversary calling it a National Day of Remembrance in honor of the heroism and sacrifices of the slain commandos.

Brign Gen. Franco Simborio, Director of the Police Regional Office 9, led the National Day of Remembrance in Zamboanga City. The event was also attended by Lt. Gen. Jose Chiquito Malayo and Erica Pabalinas, wife of Maj. Ryan Pabalinas, who was among the SAF 44.

“Today we commemorate the gallantry of the SAF 44, today is also the day that someone lost their father, brother, son, husband, and friend. It has been 7 years since my dad died and I still miss him everyday, but most especially, today. Growing up without a father makes me sad and jealous, sometimes, I think what would my life be if my dad was still around,” Pabalinas daughter, Camille Ryeanne, said in an emotional message read at the program.

Malayo also read a message from National Police Chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos: “Today, we pause to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifices for this nation especially the 44 fallen brave Special Action Commandos. This commemoration is the day where we ought to reflect for their unselfish deeds for our country which symbolizes the heart of a true warrior. Though, we cannot repay their heroism, yet, they will always be remembered in our hearts for they fought bravely up to their last breath.”

“The officers and men of Police Regional Office 11 commemorate the National Day of Remembrance for the heroism and patriotism of 44 PNP Special Action Force Troopers, who died in the anti-terror operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao seven years ago.

PRO 11 will continuously honor the departed SAF troopers. We will always remember their heroism as they sacrificed their lives in Mamasapano. We pray that ultimate justice be served to the families of our late heroes who paid the ultimate price in defending our country against terrorists,” the Police Regional Office in Region 11 wrote on its Facebook page.

The Police Regional Office in Region 12 also posted this on its social media page and told the public not to forget the heroism of those who perished in the dangerous mission. “REMEMBERING THE #FALLEN44: Let us not forget the heroism, the courage, the sacrifice, the nationalism, the love of country, and people, that they demonstrate every day that they perform their duties, that they provide honor and bring glory to our country,” it said.

“#SAF44: FALLEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. On this day, we remember the SAF 44 who died a meaningful death on the side of justice and righteousness. The gallantry of the “SAF 44” is an inspiration to the PRO-12 personnel as they continue to fulfill their mandate to serve the country and defend the Constitution. Let us remain steadfast in fighting the injustices perpetrated by terrorists and lawless groups in the Soccsksargen region,” it added and the statement was followed by these hashtags: #PNPKakampiMo #WeServeAndProtect #TeamPNP #TeamPRO12

The police commandos were on a clandestine mission deep inside MILF territory to capture Malaysian bomber Zulkifli Abdhir, who was eventually killed in the operation in Tukanalipao village on January 25, 2015. The commandos were on their way to re-join their more than 300 SAF members waiting on the highway when MILF forces, aided by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, attacked them and sparked daylong clashes.

Zulkifli, alias Marwan, was also wanted by the United States which offered a $5 million bounty for his capture dead or alive. He was suspected of leading the Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia, being part of the central command of the Jemaah Islamiyah, and of involvement in the 2002 Bali bombings in Indonesia.

At least 18 MILF and five BIFF were killed in the fierce fighting that the Aquino government later claimed was a mis-encounter so as not endanger the peace accord it signed with the rebel group on March 28, 2014.

Barely a month later after the killings, the MILF which signed an interim peace deal with Manila, surrendered at least 16 specialized automatic rifles it took from slain commandos. The weapons were handed over to the police, but SAF sources claimed the rifles had been tampered and that many of its parts were either taken out or replaced with defective mechanisms.

Kin of police commandos previously demanded that MILF leader Murad Ebrahim, now Chief Minister of the Muslim autonomous region, to surrender those behind the gruesome murders but he strongly refused.

Because of the killings, lawmakers shelved the Bangasamoro Basic Law (BBL) until investigations into the deadly clashes between SAF and MILF were completed. The BBL was eventually passed in the current administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, who even provided MILF members with over P1 billion in financial aids for their livelihood skills training to help them integrate into mainstream society. (Mindanao Examiner)