VP Sara: We pledge to never forget SAF 44

Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday pledged to never forget the heroism of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members who were killed in a fierce firefight in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in 2015.

Duterte, who also serves as co-vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), said that the sacrifices made by the fallen SAF police officers inspire her to protect Filipinos from terrorism.

“We shall forever draw inspiration from the sacrifices you made to safeguard the honor and liberty of our nation, shielding our fellow Filipinos from the threats and consequences of terrorism,” Duterte said in a statement.

“We pledge to never forget. Together, we march onward, united by the spirit of resilience, unwavering in our pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous Philippines.”

The fallen SAF commandos were part of the special mission to serve arrest warrants against international terrorist and Malaysian bomber Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan.

But some members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and local armed groups engaged them in a deadly encounter that resulted in the deaths of more than 60 people.

Duterte said that the legacy of the killed SAF members “is one characterized by unparalleled dedication, selflessness, and an unwavering love for our cherished nation and its people.”

“Though their victory was bittersweet, it ignited within us a flame of determination to forge more dignified paths towards sustainable peace,” she said.

“We are forever indebted to these heroes, who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of a brighter future,” she added.

Former Philippine National Police SAF chief Getulio Napeñas Jr. earlier Thursday said that justice has yet to be served for the 44 fallen SAF members, pointing out that complaints are not yet filed against those who killed them.

To recall, the Sandiganbayan has acquitted Napeñas and former PNP chief Alan Purisima of graft and usurpation charges for their involvement in the planning of the January 2015 anti-terrorist operation that led to the deaths of the 44 SAF commandos. — Giselle Ombay/RSJ, GMA Integrated News