MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Friday led the national day of mourning for the 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNPSAF) who were killed in a covert operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Aquino, who was wearing a black armband, arrived at the Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City past 10 a.m. and proceeded to the necrological service.
The president went to each one of the caskets and offered a short prayer. He condoled with the families of the killed policemen and presented to them a medal of valor.
Before the president arrived, police officials gave eulogies for their fallen comrades.
Several high-ranking officials also showed up at the memorial service such as Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas. Aquino's sisters were also present.
On Thursday, Aquino heaped criticisms for continuing with his scheduled visit to a car plant in Laguna instead of attending the arrival honors for the fallen cops.
Read: Aquino no-show at arrival honors for SAF troopers