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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider In honor of SAF 44, VP Duterte calls on Pinoys to never forget their heroism

In honor of SAF 44, VP Duterte calls on Pinoys to never forget their heroism

Published Jan 25, 2024 07:18 am

Vice President Sara Duterte asked Filipinos to “never forget” the heroism, bravery, and sacrifices of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF), who died in the infamous 2015 Mamasapano clash in Maguindanao.

SAF44.jpeg(Photo by Juan Carlo de Vela/ MANILA BULLETIN) 
 

The official released a statement on Thursday, Jan. 25, for the Day of National Remembrance for the SAF 44.

“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,” she said.

Duterte said that Filipinos would forever be “indebted” to the perished soldiers, and called on everyone to honor the families and loved ones they left behind.

“Their enduring legacy is one characterized by unparalleled dedication, selflessness, and an unwavering love for our cherished nation and its people. We are forever indebted to these heroes, who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of a brighter future,” she said.

Their “victory,” Duterte described, was “bittersweet” but it also “ignited within us a flame of determination to forge more dignified paths towards sustainable peace.”

In saluting the fallen soldiers and the police forces, the Vice President stressed that Filipinos will forever be inspired by the sacrifices they made to protect the country’s freedom and to shield Filipinos from the “threats and consequences of terrorism.”

“As we move forward, we carry with us the indelible acts of bravery etched in the annals of our history. Their gallantry serves as a true benchmark of heroism for every Filipino to emulate,” she said.

On Jan. 25, 2015, SAF members executed Oplan Exodus aimed at neutralizing terrorists Zulkilfi bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman.

But the elite commandos were killed when engaged by a combined force of fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other armed elements in the area.

Although the operation led to the death of Marwan, it also caused the lives of 44 SAF members.

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mamasapano clash VP Sara Duterte Maguindanao SAF 44
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