On January 25, 2025, the nation solemnly had marked the 10th anniversary of the Mamasapano tragedy, a pivotal moment in the Philippine history. The 44 elite members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), collectively known as SAF 44, had lost their lives in a high-risk counter-terrorism mission called “Oplan Exodus” to apprehend the FBI’s most wanted terrorists, Malaysian bomb maker and Jemaah Islamiyah leader, Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan, and Abdul Basit Usman, a senior leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in a remote village in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 15, 2015. While the operation had successfully neutralized Marwan, the retreating SAF troopers had been ambushed by guerillas from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), BIFF, and other private armed groups, leading to the deaths of the 44 troopers which left the country mourning.
This year’s commemoration was led by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the National Day of Remembrance for the Heroic Sacrifice of the SAF 44 with the theme “Courage Beyond Measure: Remembering the Sacrifice of the SAF 44 for Peace” at the Philippine National Police Academy, Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite. The solemn event had honored the legacy of the 44 SAF commandos who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of security and peace.
PGen Rommel Francisco D Marbil, PNP Chief, had paid tribute to the SAF 44, their families, and their comrades. Reflecting on the selflessness of those who have died, PGen Marbil had emphasized that their sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of justice and security, and upholds the ideals they had fought for.
Likewise, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who graced the event as the Guest of Honor and Speaker, had highlighted the necessity of meaningful reforms to uphold the SAF 44’s legacy and had urged the attendees to not only honor them but also the countless uniformed personnel who risk their lives for the country’s safety and security.
With a voice filled with grief and gratitude, Mrs. Julie N. Cayang-o, widow of the late PCpl Gringo C. Cayang-o, had spoken on behalf of the families of the fallen. She recalled the pain of their loss and the profound sense of pride knowing that her husband and his comrades stood their ground defending and protecting the values they revere.
Similarly, the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG), through its Historical and Cultural Affairs Division, together with the Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR), in partnership with the PNP Officers Ladies Club Foundation, Inc. and Quezon City Tourism Department, had commemorated the heroism of the SAF 44 through the Awarding and Exhibit of the “SAF 44: A Decade of Valor” On-the-Spot Painting Contest on February 4, 2025 at the M.I.C.E Center, Quezon City Hall Complex.
Personnel from various units of the PNP National Headquarters, NCRPO, PRO3, and PRO4A had participated in the said activity. Pat Juliemah A. Prades of PNP AVSEGROUP had grabbed the first place with her masterpiece “DEDIKASYON” of a SAF Trooper. Pat Carlos Mark B Borromeo of PNP SAF had earned the second place with his painting “10 ANYOS”, while Pat Peter Paul C Bautista of PRBS had secured the third place for his entry portraying a salute to the bravery of SAF 44. PSSg Norfred G Salonga of PIO and Pat Eulgio Jerico C Castro of Cavite Police Provincial Office secured fourth and fifth place, respectively.
Said activity is a commitment honoring the legacy of SAF 44 through artistic expression. The remarkable masterpieces were displayed in the M.I.C.E Center, Quezon City Hall Complex from February 4 until 10, 2025.
Tributes across the country were also held to commemorate the gallantry of SAF 44. In Kabayan, Benguet, a solemn ceremony at the Eddet Elementary School honored local hero, the late PO2 Peterson Carap. Police Regional Office 5 in Bicol had marked the occasion with a mass at the Sto. Niño Chapel at Camp Simeon Ola, followed by a flag-lowering ceremony at the PRO-5 Parade Ground where PRO 5 personnel gathered to honor SAF 44’s courage and sacrifice.
The legacy of the SAF 44 goes beyond their tragic fate on January 25, 2015. Theirs endure a profound sense of bravery and unwavering commitment to duty. Their sacrifice spurred necessary reforms in PNP and the military, with emphasis on improved coordination, safety protocols, and personnel welfare. Serving as an inspiration to continue the peace-building efforts in Mindanao, the annual National Day of Remembrance reaffirms the SAF 44’s lasting impact on PNP and national security, serving likewise as a guiding example to future generations of law enforcers, ensuring that their selflessness and heroism will never be forgotten. Theirs is a gallantry that is embedded in our hearts which transcends time.
A crisp salute to the SAF 44 Heroes: Police Chief Inspector Gednat G. Tabdi; Police Senior Inspector Max Jim R. Tria; Police Senior Inspector John Gary S. Erana; Police Senior Inspector Ryan Pabalinas; Police Inspector Rennie L. Tayrus; Police Inspector Joey S. Gamutan; Police Inspector Cyrus P. Anniban; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Lover L. Inocencio; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Daniel O. Tegunan; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Andres D. Duque Jr.; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Robel C. Balaca; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Noel O. Golocan; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Abraham B. Andes; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Virgel S. Villanueva; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Windel L. Candano; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Jerry D. Kayob; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Mark Lory O. Clemencio; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Oliver V. Dela Cruz; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Amman M. Esmulla; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Loreto T. Capinding; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Junrel J. Kibete; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Glenn B. Badua; Police Senior Police Officer 1 Joey M. Sagonoy; Police Officer 3 Victoriano N. Acain Jr.; Police Officer 3 John Lloyd D. Sumbilla; Police Officer 3 Angel C. Kodiamat; Police Officer 3 Richelle T. Baluga; Police Officer 3 Romeo C. Cempron; Police Officer 3 Chum G. Agabon; Police Officer 3 Roger C. Cordero; Police Officer 3 Oliebeth L. Viernes; Police Officer 3 Jed-In Abubakar; Police Officer 3 Noel C. Balaca; Police Officer 3 Kevin T. Nacion; Police Officer 3 Franklin D. Danao; Police Officer 3 Loreto G. Capinding; Police Officer 3 Gringo C. Cayang-o; Police Officer 3 Mark Lory O. Clemencio; Police Officer 3 Cyrus P. Anniban; Police Officer 2 Russel B. Bilog; Police Officer 2 Roger C. Cordero; Police Officer 2 Chum G. Agabon; Police Officer 2 Angel C. Kodiamat; and Police Officer 2 Jed-In Abubakar.
