Palace vows ‘just closure’ for SAF families

NEW DELHI – Malacañang yesterday vowed to give “just closure” for the families of 44 police commandos killed during a clash with Islamic rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in January 2015.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said justice remains elusive for the relatives of the fallen police Special Action Force (SAF) troopers three years after the bloody encounter.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does not wish a repeat of such a waste of lives and promising future of gallant Filipinos even as he vows to uncover the truth behind this botched operation and find just closure for the bereaved families who lost a husband, father, brother, or son,” Roque said in a press briefing here.

“The nation remembers the
heroic sacrifice of the 44 uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force,” he said.

Roque urged the police to honor their fallen comrades by sticking to their ideals.

“We call on all members of the police today to look back to the sacrifice of their fallen colleagues. Honor their memory by reliving their values of integrity and courage as you perform your duty to serve and protect the nation,” the spokesman said.

“To our people, let us offer the most solemn prayer for our fallen SAF heroes. We also pray for their bereaved families that their grief may soon be appeased through the attainment of justice,” he added.

Last year, Duterte signed Proclamation Number 164 declaring Jan. 25 as Day of National Remembrance in honor of the fallen SAF commandos.

PNP officials commemorated the heroism and sacrifice of the 44 commandos at the Memorial Park of the SAF headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.?Deputy Director General Archie Francisco Gamboa, chief of the directorial staff, led the ceremony on behalf of PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa who was with President Duterte in an official trip to India.?SAF chief Director Noli Taliño, National Capital Region police chief Director Oscar Albayalde led the wreath-laying ceremony in commemorating the heroism and gallantry of the SAF 44.

Families seek justice

Families of the SAF commandos from Isabela who died in the clash with Moro rebels in Mamasapano said they are glad that Jan. 25 has been declared National Day of Remembrance for the fallen heroes.

Rodrigo Acob Jr., father of Police Officer 3 Rodrigo Acob III, said this is proof that the government recognizes the sacrifices of the troopers.

Acob said that it would inspire other commandos to also make sacrifices for the nation.

Vanessa del Rosario, sister of slain PO3 Andres Duque, said that she is happy as the government recognizes the 44 SAF troopers as heroes.

Esmenia Acob, Rodrigo III’s mother, said that she still longs for her son who wanted to become a lawyer aside from being a policeman.

“I’m missing his goodness, love and care but what will I do? They’re already gone that’s why we are now like a dead flower because of sorrow,” Acob said.

Acob and Duque said they would continue to seek justice for their slain loved ones.

Acob also wants to know the truth behind the clash. He also requests for protection more than any financial aid.

Erica Pabalinas, widow of Inspector Ryan Pabalinas, said her husband’s death continued to bring pain to the family.

Pabalinas said they are still hoping that justice will be served for the death of their loved ones.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, PNP Region 9 director, who spearheaded the commemoration of the 3rd death anniversary of SAF 44 in Zamboanga City, said the gallantry of the fallen police troopers will be observed yearly following the order issued by President Duterte.

Sen. Grace Poe said yesterday that the lessons learned from Mamasapano should remain in the hearts and minds of all Filipinos even as the families of the slain policemen continue to seek justice.

Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs during the previous Congress, which investigated the incident, said that the Mamasapano tragedy was “a teachable moment in our history.”

“We have vowed on their graves that justice will be swift, and yet it is slow. Not one of those who have put our boys in harm’s way has been punished,” she added. – With Alexis Romero, Evelyn Macairan, Marvin Sy, Elizabeth Marcelo, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Kurt Adrian dela Peña, Roel Pareño