Salute to the Great Fallen 44
Being a police is one of the hardest job any person could have. As a police, you have to put yourself in the shoes of our nation and people...always securing their safety and their good will.
And when the nation needed you to be of service, there will be sufferings- physically and emotionally and sometimes even your own life may be put in danger.
Just like what recently happened to Oplan Exodus, an operation by the Special Action Force to capture an international terrorist, Zulkifli bin Hir also known as Marwan where 44 of our men were brutally slaughtered.
Yesterday, January 30, a heart melting necrological service was given to our heroes, the "Fallen 44" at Camp Bagong Diwa's Multi-purpose Hall in Bicutan, Taguig. In memory of their sacrifice, January 30 was said to be the day of National Mourning.
Pres. Benigno Aquino III, DILG Mar Roxas, PNP Deputy Dir. Gen. Leonardo Espina and many other government officials were present for the service to give respect and sympathy for the Fallen 44.
"Sa ngalan ng buong pangkat ng Special Action Force, ako ay nakikiramay sa mga pamilya ng 44 na magigiting na mandirigma na nasawi sa pakikipaglaban sa mga masasamang elemento sa Mamasapano, Maguindanao," Noli Taliño, acting chief of SAF said in his speech.
He recalled that through a text message, they had known that the mission was accomplished...that Marwan had been captured.
"A joyful moment was felt knowing that the mission was accomplished. And I clearly heard Police Dir. Getulio Napañes, 'Para sa inyo ito,' meaning, 'Para sa bayan,'" he added.
But before they could return and celebrate this victory, they were caught off guard and killed by the troops of MILF and BIFF. They asked for reinforcements, for help unfortunately they were not able to penetrate the enemies.
He expressed his feeling of guilt over what happened to the Fallen 44. He thought that their efforts weren't enough to help them but they did their best to help save our men.
"Is it worth it? One international terrorist, equivalent to 44 SAF troopers? I am sure, if you will ask them, it is worth it. Dahil mas maraming buhay ang maisasalba at maililigtas nung nawala Si Marwan," he explained.
He sent his deepest apologies and sincerest thanks to the families and loved ones of the Fallen 44 for all the things they had done to serve and protect the nation and people.
"To the families of our fallen comrades: Don't quit, don't give up. To the SAF troopers, let us not quit, let us not give up. Let us continue the fight. Ngayon, we request, for the 44 gallant men of SAF, tulungan po natin sila, let us take care, help, and protect their families. Let us also take care and protect the special action force," he said.
This was his last message for the family members and loved ones of the Fallen 44, other SAF troops, government and for all of us, that they may attain justice and protect all of our men and people.
Indeed as our police men live by their motto, "Tagapagligtas", may this incident strengthen our love for our country and our people and be always in our hearts and minds and be remembered that there were men who sacrificed their lives for our well-being.