SAF 44 protest march set

MANILA, Philippines - An indignation march will be held simultaneously in Metro Manila and other parts of the country on March 8 to seek justice for the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos killed while on a mission to arrest international terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25.

Tomas Rentoy III, board chairman of the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PNPAAAI), said the widows, relatives and friends of the fallen policemen would join the protest dubbed as “March for Justice for SAF 44.”

The indignation rally marks the culmination of the 44-day period of mourning for the SAF heroes, Rentoy said. Catholics observe a 40-day mourning for their departed loved ones.

Rentoy, a retired police general, said PNPA alumni, along with the families of the SAF 44, would spearhead the activity with the slogan “Walk with the Widows, Run for our Heroes.”

He said members of civic, religious and non-government organizations as well as government employees are expected to join the event.

In Metro Manila, the activity will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will be a 44-kilometer walk from Salitran, Dasmariñas City, Cavite to Camp Crame in Quezon City. Phase 2 will be the march from Camp Crame to the Quezon City Memorial Circle where mass for the SAF 44 will be held at 10 a.m.

The runners in Phase I will link up with Phase 2 participants and assemble at Camp Crame before joining the walk to QCMC.

The widows, orphans and relatives of SAF 44 will lead the march from Camp Crame to QCMC. PNPA alumni and other participants from the uniformed services will assemble in front of the Camp Crame Grandstand and civilians will assemble beside Gate I along EDSA.