Mamasapano SAF survivors: ‘modern Ilocano heroes’

TRIBUTE

J Michael Mugas

LAOAG CITY – Gov.Imee R. Marcos led honorary tribute on March 10 for SPO1 Allan Lampitoc Franco and PO2 Jovalyn Lozano, both with Ilocano roots,  two of few Special Action Force (SAF) commandos who survived the Mamasapano encounter last Jan. 25.

The tribute, personally attended by Franco and Lozano with their families, was in line with inauguration of the shrines of the second batch of Ilocano Heroes walk which honors Ilocanos who brought fame and glory not only to the province but to the country in the past century.

 In her speech, Marcos said “We have heroes like Omar A. Nacionales who was one of the SAF commandos who died during the Mamasapano encounter…we still have living heroes (SPO1 Franco and PO2 Lozano) who we have with us today and we will honor by exemplifying the definition of heroism in this modern day.”

Franco and Lozano were part of the SAF team on a mission to capture Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan, one of the world’s most wanted terrorists and Abu Sayyaf member Abdul BassitUsman.

 “Sa SAF, mga Ilocano ang inaasahan, tayo ang walang kaba sa dibdib kapag nasa operasyon,” said PO2 Lozano who became a part of PNP-SAF in 2008.

SPO1 Franco who entered the PNP-SAF in 2003, meanwhile said “The courage and bravery of Ilocanos during special operations of SAF is unquestionable.”

Marcos who proclaimed Franco and Lozano as “modern Ilocano heroes” encouraged everyone “to ponder the meaning of heroism today, in our lives, everyday as we struggle to make life meaningful and somehow heroic.”

Emotions ran high as they both recalled their childhood experiences in Ilocos Norte which they said “prepared and strengthened them before they entered SAF.”

Franco, 36, who has roots in Banna, Ilocos Norte, last visited the province 12 years ago. Despite being born in South Cotabato, he considers Ilocos Norte as his hometown.

“I learned everything in Banna, important things that I have always been using during SAF operations. When I was growing up, I was strengthened by helping in the farm…doing the usual Ilocano farming practices,” said Franco in Ilocano.

He was appointed as instructor at SAF Training School for 2008 and 2009. Since then, he has contributed to the several operations of PNP-SAF and played an important role in the operation that eventually led to the killing of Marwan.

Meanwhile, Lozano who was born and grew up in Adams, Ilocos Norte said that “lumakiakodoon, naghirapakodoon, lahatng experience kosa Adams, yunangtaglay at baonkosalahatng operations napinupuntahanko.”

Lozano served as the “point man” during the encounter and suffered a wound on his left shoulder because of a bomb explosion. He was also one of the commandos who fought during the Zamboanga siege.

“Salahat ng laban na pinuntahan ko, tanging parangal lang na natatanggap namin ng mga kasama k0 ay palakpak ng mga tao at hindi ko m kakalimutan ang parangal na ito,” said Lozano.

Marcos answered “This is to recognize who are living, surviving and continuing to fight for all of us. Kilalanin lang yung mga ginagawa nating mga kapulisan, higit sa lahatang SAF.”

Franco and Lozano expressed gratitude to provincial government for honors they did not expect to receive.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan had approved a resolution to formally declare them as courageous sons of Ilocos Norte and to commend their bravery and willingness to sacrifice their lives to save thousands of Filipinos.

Both of them received cash incentives from the provincial government and one of their relatives currently residing in Ilocos Norte will be granted a full-scholarship at Mariano Marcos State University.

“We’re very proud of them and we want them to know that even if we have very little opportunity to show our thanks, we commend them for keeping our country safe,” said Marcos. ­