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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider PNP remembers SAF 44 on 11th National Day of Remembrance

PNP remembers SAF 44 on 11th National Day of Remembrance

Published Jan 25, 2026 10:04 pm
The Philippine National Police remembered the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) personnel who were killed in an operation against Malaysian terrorist Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur in 2015 on the 11th National Day of Remembrance on Sunday .
The Police Regional Office-2 (Cagayan Valley) held the commemoration at the SAF 44 Monument inside the PRO-2 headquarters in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
Police Brig. Gen. Antonio P. Marallag Jr., PRO-2 regional director, together with the family of six SAF 44 troopers from Cagayan Valley – Police Officer 2 Joel Dulnuan of Nueva Vizcaya; Police Officer 1 Loreto Capinding II, Police Officer 3 Rodrigo Acob, and Andres Duque Jr. of Isabela; and Police Officer 2 Richelle Baluga and Police Officer 1 Oliebeth Viernes of Cagayan – and the 11th Special Action Battalion, led wreath-laying ceremony.
PNP chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. in a message read by Marallag, expressed sympathy and gratitude to the families of the slain troopers.
“No words can truly ease your pain. Your loss is deep, and it does not disappear with time. For you, this is not just history. You did not only lose police officers – you lost loved ones who should have come home,” Nartatez said.
“On this day, we want you to know that we remember with you. We honor them with you, and we stand with you. The Philippine National Police remembers your loved ones not only today, but every day. Their names live on in our history and in every police officer who chooses courage, restraint, and integrity in the line of duty,” he added.
Nartatez said the nation must never forget the extraordinary bravery and patriotism shown by the SAF 44.
“To our fallen heroes of SAF 44: You have done your duty. You have paid the highest price. Today, we stand here because of your valor. Hindi namin kayo kinalimutan at hindi namin hahayaang manatili lamang sa alaala ang inyong sakripisyo. Ipinapangako naming maglilingkod kami nang may dangal, tapang, at malasakit (We won’t forget your sacrifices and vow to serve with honor, courage, and compassion),” he said.
Police Regional Office-3 Director Police Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. led a wreath-laying ceremony at the PRO-3 Heroes’ Monument in Camp Olivas, San Fernando City, Pampanga.
Police Brig. Gen. Ericson Dilag, PRO-Cordillera chief, spearheaded a ceremonial tribute in Camp John Hay, Baguio City, highlighted by a wreath-laying ceremony, volley firing, the sounding of taps, and capped by a 21-gun salute rendered by the PNP-SAF. These were followed by the blessing of the SAF Memorial.
Fourteen of the 44 troopers were from Cordillera.
Simultaneous commemorative rites were held across all police units nationwide that reaffirmed the PNP’s respect and commitment to honor the SAF 44.
The observance is anchored on Proclamation No. 164 declaring the National Day of Remembrance of the Heroic Sacrifice of the SAF 44. It was signed on Feb. 21, 2017 during the Duterte administration.

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