BAGUIO CITY -- Regional director Brig. Gen. Mafelino Bazar led the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) during the commemoration of the bravery and heroism of the 44 Special Action Force members who died in the line of duty eight years ago in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Bazar joined the ceremonial wreath-laying at the SAF Memorial at the Manor, Camp John Hay, Baguio City on Wednesday, Jan. 25, exactly eight years since a botched Mamasapano mission resulted in the death of 44 SAF members.
Other personalities who were on hand to grace the occasion were Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City; MGen. Oliver Enmodias, deputy commander of Area Police Command-Northern Luzon; Maj.Jennie Dela Cruz, acting Battalion Commander of 14 Special Action Battalion of Philippine National Police SAF; Christine Marie B. Cua, Alternate General Manager of Hotel Manor; and Janet Carap, SAF 44 family representative.
As part of the program, members of PNP SAF offered a 21-gun salute to honor the 44 SAF members who died in the line of duty during a botched mission in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25, 2015.
Of the 44 troopers who died in the encounter, 14 were police officers from the Cordillera region.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation No. 164 on Feb. 21, 2017, declaring January 25 every year a day of national remembrance for the heroic sacrifice of the 44 uniformed personnel of the PNP SAF.
The proclamation is to serve as a constant reminder of the continuing sacrifices made by our valiant uniformed men and women in the PNP.