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Accountability in pursuing peace sought in remembering SAF 44


Accountability in pursuing peace sought in remembering SAF 44

Former Philippine National Police's (PNP) Board of Inquiry chief and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong called on government leaders and security personnel to push for accountability when it comes to the pursuit of peace as he remembered the 44 fallen commandos in the Mamasapano tragedy.

In a statement, Magalong said the 44 Special Action Force's (SAF) gallantry and heroism continue to inspire and live on, years after they were killed in an encounter with combined fighters from the MILF, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other armed elements.

“It is therefore imperative for all leaders in government, the military, and law enforcement to prioritize communication, accountability, and unity in the pursuit of national security and peace,” Magalong said, noting that their sacrifices should not be put in vain.

"Addressing the root causes of conflict in our society is equally important. A lasting resolution to the challenges in Mindanao requires a commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and the empowerment of all communities,'' he added.

Magalong said the lessons of Mamasapano should ''guide us toward a future where such tragedies are never repeated.''

"Beyond remembrance, this day calls for reflection. The events of Mamasapano teach us that effective leadership, inter-agency collaboration, open communication, and thorough planning are essential in any mission. Missteps and lapses in coordination can lead to devastating consequences, as we witnessed a decade ago,'' he said.

Magalong, a retired police official, had blamed late President Benigno Aquino III’s defiance of the chain-of-command in executing such a mission for the deaths of SAF troopers.

The Philippine National Police's Board of Inquiry, which was then led by Magalong, later found out that Oplan Exodus was not coordinated with the military and the government peace panel talking with the MILF.

Magalong and other personalities who had significant roles and opinions in the Mamasapano tragedy appear in the documentary Fallen not Forgotten now on Netflix and Appletv.

In 2017, former President Rodrigo Duterte declared January 25 as the National Day of Remembrance for the SAF 44.

Last December, a Taguig court convicted two Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commanders for the deaths of the slain SAF commandos.

Abubakar Guiaman and Mohammad Ali Tambako were convicted of 35 counts of homicide, which was lower than the initial charge of direct assault with murder. Still, the Department of Justice considered this a "court victory" that resulted from an unrelenting pursuit for justice.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News