NEW DELHI — Malacañang Thursday vowed to provide a “just closure” for the families of the 44 police commandos who died during a clash with lawless groups in Mamasapano, Maguindanao three years ago.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said justice remains elusive for the kin of the fallen Special Action Force troopers three years after the bloody encounter.
“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does not wish a repeat of such a waste of lives and promising future of gallant Filipinos even as he vows to uncover the truth behind this botched operation and find a just closure for the bereaved families who lost a husband, father, brother, or son,” Roque said in a press briefing here.
“The nation remembers the heroic sacrifice of the 44 uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force,” he added.
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Roque urged the police to honor their fallen comrades by sticking to their ideals.
“We call on all members of the police today to look back to the sacrifice of their fallen colleagues. Honor their memory by reliving their values of integrity and courage as you perform your duty to serve and protect the nation,” the presidential spokesman said.
“To our people, let us offer the most solemn prayer for our fallen SAF heroes. We also pray for their bereaved families that their grief may soon be appeased through the attainment of justice,” he added.
Last year, Duterte signed Proclamation Number 164 declaring Jan. 25 as Day of National Remembrance in honor of the fallen SAF commandos.
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