SAF 44 are modern-day PHL heroes – PNP

The 44 fallen Special Action Force (SAF) police officers who were slain in the 2015 Mamasapano clash were modern-day heroes, the Philippine National Police said on Saturday.

In a statement, PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said that the SAF 44's "supreme sacrifice" would never be forgotten.

"Today, we honor their heroism and patriotism with deep pride as our inspiration to continue on our sworn duty to protect our people from lawless violence, criminal acts and illegal drugs that destroy the lives and future of our younger generation," Gamboa said.

SAF members were sent to Mamasapano, Maguindanao to neutralize terrorist Zulkifli Bin-Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman.

Despite neutralizing Marwan, they were ambushed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other armed groups in the area.

"Time and again, we prove to our people that the PNP is always ready to serve and protect enshrined with heroism. We will always do our best in the name of public service," Gamboa said.

"To the families, friends, and relatives of SAF 44, we share with you the grief of losing beloved ones but their lives will always be remembered as pillars and heroes of this 205,000-strong and growing PNP family," he added.  — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News