It would be a disrespect to the sacrifices made by the Special Action Force (SAF) 44 nine years ago if Filipinos today give up "our territory to those who would trespass upon it."

President Marcos made the statement as he paid tribute to the heroism of the fallen SAF 44 during the national remembrance of their heroic sacrifice held in Silang, Cavite on Thursday, Jan. 25.

"We would also be disrespecting their memory if we give quarters to those who terrorize our people," Marcos said in his speech.

"We would be devaluing their valor if we cede our territory to those who would trespass upon it," he added.

It was the second time this week that he talked about protecting the country's territory in his remarks. He also made the same call during the 125th anniversary of the first Philippine Republic on Jan. 23 where he stressed that the country will continue to resist any attempts to "trample our sacred shores."

'Never let down the flag they fought for'

The President urged the citizenry to honor the heroism of the SAF 44 by continuing what they have fought for.

He said they were not apostles of permanent war but were "warriors for peace who wanted to see the day when swords were pounded into plowshares." So, he encouraged the entire police force to "work towards that day."

"To the comrades-in-arms of the Brave 44, who wear the insignia of the departed, honor their memory by never letting down the flag that they fought for," he told them.

"Be worthy stewards of their devotion to duty, their fidelity to the oath, and their love of country. Be the patriots and professionals who are driven by the same fearlessness and fortitude that the SAF 44 had shown" he added.

The Chief Executive further told them that the "defiant stand of the Brave 44 still echoes today, it is a clarion call for unity and action against any challenge that we might face."

Marcos also said that the SAF 44 has left the nation a mission to pursue—to be able to live in peace and prosperity.

"It is now up to us – who lived – who benefitted from their full measure of devotion to duty, to build a kinder and gentler society, wherein those they have left behind can live in peace and prosperity," he said.

"That is the mission that they have left us to pursue when they did not return from their last patrol," he added.

He said the sacrifices of the "Fallen 44" left many important lessons such as to put nation before self, to display courage under fire, to resolve to forge ahead, and  to never give up.

The 44 SAF commandos were killed in a firefight with insurgents during a police operation in a remote village in Mamasapano in Maguindanao on Jan. 25, 2015.

The SAF operation, codenamed “Oplan Exodus,” successfully neutralized Malaysian bomb maker and Jemaah Islamiyah leader Zulkifli Bin Hir, alias Marwan.

The retreating SAF troopers, however, were ambushed by guerillas from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and other private armed groups, resulting in the deaths of 44 SAF policemen.

On Feb. 21, 2017, former president Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation No. 164, declaring January 25 of every year as the Day of National Remembrance for the SAF 44.