CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – The Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office (NEPPO) honored on Thursday, January 25, the gallantry of 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force troopers who died in a firefight in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.
THE NEPPO honors the SAF 44 during the Day of National Remembrance on January 25. (Photo via Liezle Basa-Inigo)
The commemoration of the Day of National Remembrance was led by Police Col. Richard Caballero, former SAF members in NEPPO, and the men and women of NEPPO, at the NEPPO Parade Grounds here.
The event was highlighted by a wreath-laying and candle-lighting ceremony by 44 select NEPPO personnel, representing the SAF 44.
Caballero cited the sacrifice of the slain police commandos.
“While we can never bring back the lives they have given, may their sacrifice serve as a challenge to us all. The challenge to continue their heroism, to embody greatness, and to act with honor and love for country,” he said, reading a message from PNP chief Police Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. for the event.
“May their memory serve as an inspiration for us to continue advocating for justice and peace in our nation.”
Caballero encouraged NEPPO personnel to become heroes of this modern time by dedicating themselves to the PNP service.
On January 25, 2015, SAF troopers carried out a law enforcement operation dubbed "Oplan: Exodus" against two high-value targets, Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” and terrorist Abdul Basit Usman.
They were able to kill Marwan but failed to get Usman who was later killed in another operation.
On their way out, a firefight occurred that eventually trapped 45 SAF personnel, with only one surviving after swimming in a creek and hiding in bushes on his way out.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte in February 2017 issued Proclamation 164 declaring January 25 of every year as a day of national remembrance for the heroic sacrifice of the SAF 44.
This year’s Day of Remembrance theme is “Valiant Men with Unparalleled Devotion to God, Country, and People: A Blessing to Victorious Nation.”