“The Dedication and Sacrifice of the Men of Valor is the Pinnacle of

Patriotism”

Today, as we commemorate the heroism of our fallen 44, I couldn’t be more

proud that I belong to same organization where these heroes came from. The
heroism of the 44 members of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine
National Police (PNP) is a story that should be retold to the next generations that’s
why it was declared January 25 of every year as a Day of National Remembrance for
the Heroic Sacrifice of the 44 Uniformed Personnel of the Philippine National Police
Special Action Force.

Our SAF 44 heroes did not die in vain. Had it not (been) for them, Marwan
would have armed more extremists to terrorize the Filipino people and more innocent
civilians would have (been) killed by their bombs. Their bravery and supreme
sacrifice saved the future our people. The country would have not achieved the
peace and order it is experiencing today thus, their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
They will remain not only in history but forever in the hearts of every Filipino citizen.

Let us remember how the SAF commandos successfully carried out the
mission assigned to them. Even if it is an impossible task, the heroes didn’t think
twice to accept and immediately took the mission as it is for the people who they are
serving. It is their strong will to give justice to the Muslims and Filipino Christians who
died from the bombs made by the international terrorist, Marwan. Even though
outnumbered, they showed bravery, patriotism and executed their duty without any
hesitation.

Our admiration for their bravery has even brought us strong determination to be the
living heroes in the name of Public Service. They proved that PNP is always ready to
serve and protect the Filipino people.

As a Police Officer, I deeply honor their heroism and patriotism with pride as
an inspiration to continue on my sworn duty to protect our people from lawless
violence, criminal acts, and illegal drugs that destroy the lives and future of our
younger generation. I will take the responsibility as an officer to lead my
subordinates in the right path that will give justice to the sacrifices that our heroes
have offered.
 As to the Oplan Exodus that has been conducted, it is obviously that no
coordination with the Arm Forces of Philippines happened that’s why PNP is left
alone fighting against the armed groups. Let this be a lesson to our organization and
let us not allow this incident happen again in the future operations we are planning to
conduct We should always consider the three C’s in every operation: Coordination,
Collaboration and Cooperation with the Philippine Army because we can’t deny the
fact that we need their help especially in major operations like such.

As a Filipino citizen in this country, Let us honor and give justice to our SAF
44 heroes by emulating the courage they displayed and the heroism that they
showed. Let us honor them with the stories of bravery and heroism that we must tell
to the future generations. Let us honor our SAF 44 heroes by being like them, the
love for our country and its people has no limit.