Nancy wants Jan. 25 declared special holiday for SAF 44

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Nancy Binay filed a bill seeking to have Jan. 25 declared a special working holiday to commemorate the heroism of 44 members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) who were killed in a clash with Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

“The efforts of the SAF44 will always be remembered and are worthy of commemoration,” Binay said in Senate Bill 2916.

The PNP-SAF carried out a law enforcement operation last Jan. 25 to serve the arrest warrant against suspected terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Abdul Basit Usman. 

A fierce gun battle left Marwan and 44 SAF members dead, as well as rebels and civilians. Usman was later killed in another operation.

“These 44 heroes sacrificed their lives with only one thing in mind: to fulfill their mandate to enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety and internal security,” Binay said.

“Not only did they accomplish the mission, they made the PNP-SAF proud and served as an inspiration for cadets and for other training schools and will further promote patriotism and nationalism in the country,” she added.

If the measure is approved, both public and private sectors are encouraged to devote time and effort to participate in the celebration of the event.  

“All heads of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government owned and controlled corporations as well as local government units, and employers in the private sector shall encourage and afford sufficient time and participate in any activity conducted in their respective localities to celebrate such a commemoration,” the bill read.