CAMP BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO, La Union -- The Police Regional Office 1 (PRO 1) marked today the Day of National Remembrance of the SAF 44 held at the PRO 1 Grandstand here.
PMGen Valeriano T. De Leon, Director for Information and Communications Technology Management who represents the chief Philippine National Police, PGen Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr., led the wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the heroic sacrifices of the SAF 44.
General Azurin in his message read by MGen De Leon highlighted the gallantry, bravery, and the greatest contribution of SAF 44 to the country’s peace and order.
“The heroism of SAF 44 will be forever etched in the books of our country’s history that will never be forgotten. Like the generations of warrior heroes before them, our fallen SAF 44 gave everything they had, not for glory or recognition, but for something greater than themselves. The least we can do is to remember them and their ultimate sacrifices,” said Gen. Azurin.
“We must also remember that their legacy of heroism is not just a memory, but an inspiration for future generations of police officers to continue to serve with valor and integrity. The legacy - that we must all strive to uphold. Their actions have shaped the PNP into what it is today and their legacy is something that we must all take great pride in,” said Gen. Azurin.
The daughter and wife of late PCpl Ephraim G Mejia and the brother of late PCpl Omar A Nacionales graced the celebration.
Said commemoration is celebrated yearly since 2015 to pay tribute to the heroic sacrifice of the 44 Elite Commandos of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force who died in the line of duty during an anti-terrorism operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25, 2015.
The yearly celebration is conducted through Presidential Proclamation No. 164 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte on Feb. 21, 2017, declaring the 25th day of January every year as the National Day of Remembrance for the Heroic Sacrifice of the Gallant SAF 44.