Magalong on SAF 44: Let it be a lesson in leadership

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) 7 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 today 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 PBrig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawon who delivered the message of Chief PNP Director Gen. Dionardo Carlos, Police Regional Office Cordillera Director PBrig. Gen. General Ronald Oliver Lee and Deputy Regional Director PBrig. 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.  – Aileen P. Refuerzo