The Police Regional Office-13 paid tribute to the SAF 44 during the Day of National Remembrance on Thursday, January 25, at the police regional headquarters in Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Butuan City.
Together with Philippine National Police Director for Comptrollership Police Major Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, guest of honor and speaker, the PRO-13 led by Police Brig. Gen. Kirby John B. Kraft offered prayers to the fallen commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao nine years ago on January 25, 2015.

POLICE Major General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil lead the Day of Remembrance for SAF 44 at the PRO-13 headquarters in Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Butuan City on January 25. (Photo via Mike U. Crismundo)
All police headquarters in the region also marked the exceptional gallantry of the 44 PNP-Special Action Force troopers.
“It is but fitting to commemorate their gallantry and heroism,” PRO 13-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said.
A Mass was held at Saint Ignatius de Loyola Chapel followed by the wreath-laying ceremony at the PRO-13 Police Officers Memorial.
Marbil delivered a message from PNP chief Police Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. reflecting on the lessons learned after the mission that neutralized two prominent terrorists.
Acorda said unity, coordination, and effective communication are important in the pursuit of national security and the sacrifices they made must motivate us to constantly strive for excellence in our duty to protect and serve.
“Their courage and dedication to duty will remain forever in the history of our country,” he added.
Among those who attended the event were troops from the 1st PNP Special Action Battalion, the father of a SAF 44, SPO1 Lover L. Inocencio, wife of the late Police Corporal Ianklein N. Plaza of the PNP Caraga who died during police operation in Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City on November 16, 2023, and classmates of the SAF 44 assigned to PRO-13.