Commemoration rites: Magalong on SAF 44: Lesson in leadership

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the Mamasapano incident that led to the death of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) seven years ago should serve as a lesson for leaders to give premium to people’s lives rather than their personal motives.
    “Let this be a lesson in leadership – never, never allow personal interest or motives to prevail at the expense of the lives of the men in uniform and of our people,” the mayor said during the commemoration rites marking the anniversary of the heroism of the SAF 44 who were killed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters during the Mamapasano, Maguindanao encounter on Jan. 25, 2015.
     The program dubbed “Day of National Remembrance for the SAF 44” was held Tuesday at the SAF Memorial Shrine at The Manor at Camp John Hay hailing “the dedication and sacrifice of the men of valor” as “the pinnacle of patriotism.”
     It was attended by PNP Deputy Director for Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawon who delivered the message of Chief PNP Director Gen. Dionardo Carlos, Police Regional Office Cordillera Director Brig. Gen. General Ronald Oliver Lee and Deputy Regional Director Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop.
     Magalong who was the former chairman of the PNP Board of Inquiry tasked to investigate the botched “Oplan Exodus” waged against the MILF said the day is especially unforgettable for the people of the Cordillera as 14 of the 44 hailed from the region.
     “Ang araw na ito ay hindi dapat mawala sa ating kaalaman at kamalayan.  Mabagal man ang usad ng katarungan, hindi ako magsasawalang kibo upang muling ihayag ang tinig ng mga umaasam ng katarungan.  Hustisya para sa SAF 44,” he added.
     The 14 SAF commandos from the Cordilleras who perished in the clash were: S/Insp. Gednat G. Tabdi, S/Insp. Cyrus P. Anniban, PO3 Noel O. Golocan, PO3 Robert D. Allaga, PO2 Nicky Dc Nacino, PO2 Noble S. Kiangan, PO2 Jerry D. Kayob, PO2 Walner F. Danao, PO2 Franklin C. Danao, PO2 Peterson I. Carap, PO2 Joel B. Dulnuan, PO1 Angel C. Kodiamat, PO1 Gringo C. Cayang-o, and PO1 Russel B. Bilog. 
    Also present during rites were Hotel Manor general manager Ramon Cabrera and  Julie B. Cayang-o, representative of family members of SAF heroes.
    Each paid their respects by laying a wreath on the memorial offered for the Fallen 44.
    During the program, Rev. Lt. Col. Jonathan Chy, regional police pastoral officer, rendered a prayer and officiated the blessing of the SAF memorial.
    Presidential Proclamation No. 164 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte, declared Jan. 25 Day of National Remembrance in memory of SAF 44’s noble deeds and acts of valor.
    There were 44 troopers who died in the Mamasapano encounter. – With a report from regional police information office