Palace pays tribute to fallen SAF 44

Malacañan Palace on Saturday paid tribute to the 44 fallen members of the elite police Special Action Force who were killed in the 2015 clash in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao.

In a statement, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo expressed his hope that justice will be served to the victims and their families.

SAF 44

"We continue to pray for the eternal repose of the souls of these valorous men in uniform who were recipients posthumously of the PNP Medal of Valor and hope that justice will finally come to give closure to these officers and their grieving families," Panelo said.

Under Oplan Exodus, SAF members were sent to Mamasapano, Maguindanao to neutralize international terrorist Zulkifli Bin-Hir, alias Marwan, and Bassit Usman.

However, then-President Benigno Aquino III did not inform then-Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Leonardo Espina of the mission.

Instead, Aquino discussed the plan with then-Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima, who was under suspension at the time due to pending corruption charges, and then-SAF chief Getulio Napeñas.

While some SAF members were able to kill Marwan, the SAF 44 who served as the blocking force, were ambushed by a combined forces from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other armed groups in the area.

Failing to get support from the military, the besieged 44 police commandos killed by the enemies.

On January 21, 2020, the Sandiganbayan acquitted Purisima and Napeñas of graft and usurpation charges for their involvement in the deadly operation due to a lack of evidence.

"As we recall the tragedy that befell the PNP officers in Mamasapano, Maguindanao and pay homage to the bravery and heroism of the 44 members of the Special Action Force [...] let us learn and reflect from the mistakes of this botched police operation that it will never happen again.' Panelo said. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LBG, GMA News