CAVITE — A decade after the Mamasapano encounter, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla believes justice for the 44 commandos of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (SAF) who were killed in the clash in what was then Maguindanao province.

The country observes January 25 as the Day of National Remembrance for the Heroic Sacrifice of the SAF 44.

The DILG chief paid tribute to the sacrifices of the 44 as he noted that the country has forgotten those who are responsible for the deadly encounter.

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"They gave their service, they served their honor, but the question is: Where is the justice? The justice with the 44 will never be found. We have forgotten who is accountable, we have forgotten who is responsible and we will never find them," Remulla said in his speech at the Philippine National Police Academy in Camp General Mariano Castaneda in Silang, Cavite.

The Taguig Regional Trial Court convicted two commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front last December for their role in the firefight, which was sparked by a police operation against wanted bomb expert Zulkifli Abdhir, also known as Marwan.

Lack of coordination with troops on the ground and with ceasefire mechanisms led to a firefight with armed gunmen, including Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters.

A police investigation into the clash found lapses in protocol and in the chain of command. 

Despite the clash, the mission was considered a success as the SAF troopers were able to kill Marwan.

'VALUES OF SAF44 SHOULD BE PASSED ON'

Remulla said it is important to look at how the PNP has moved forward from the bloody encounter.

He emphasized that the love of country embodied by the SAF 44 should be instilled in the new generation of uniformed personnel.

He also stressed the need for reforms moving forward in order to truly honor the sacrifices of the 44 brave men.

"Ang gusto nating makita na ang sacrifice ng SAF 44 ay humahanay sa tama. Na kayong darating sa bagong hanay ng pulis, sa hanay ng Bureau of Fire, sa hanay ng BJMP, ay magkakaroon ng bagong code of ethics and code of freedom and code of service ayon sa sakripisyo ng SAF 44," he noted. 

(What we want to see is for the sacrifice of the SAF 44 leads to goodness. That you who are the new ranks of the police, of the Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology have a new code of ethics, code of freedom and code of service that is aligned with their sacrifice)

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Police Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil Jr. said the SAF 44 "were not just names on a roster but sons, fathers, brothers, and friends—men of valor and selflessness who faced overwhelming odds to uphold peace and security."

He said the PNP stands with the families in honoring their memory.

"Their sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of peace and justice. As we commemorate their heroism, let us renew our pledge to uphold the ideals for which they fought."

FOR FAMILIES, PAIN AND PRIDE 

A wreath-laying ceremony was held with Remulla, Marbil and Julie Cayang-, widow of PO1 Gringo Cayang-o, one of the SAF 44.

A 21-gun salute was also offered during the ceremony. 

Cayang-o who represented the families of the SAF 44 noted how they found strength amid grief as she underscored the importance of continuing the legacy of the fallen heroes.

"The pain of that loss has been a constant companion but it has been intertwined with a profound sense of pride —  a pride in knowing that my husband and his comrades chose to serve to defend and to protect the values we hold dear," she said. 

She also thanked the government and PNP leaders for the assistance through the years. 

"Their legacy was not victory over the enemy but the impact that paved way for peace and security," Police MGen. Mark Pespes, PNP-SAF director, said.

"As we promise never to forget, let us not be disheartened by their loss, but rather looked to the future with a spirit of hope and positivity."

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