WATCH: Albayalde leads PNP's memorial service for SAF 44
MANILA, Philippines — On the fourth year since the Mamasapano clash, Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde led the commemoration of their fallen comrades at Special Action Force Memorial Park in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier declared January 25 of every year as a day of national remembrance for the “heroic sacrifice” of the 44 members of the police’s Special Action Force who died during the encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in 2015.
Albayalde and Director Guillermo Eleazar, National Capital Region Police Officer regional director, led the wreath-laying ceremony at the SAF 44 monument, the PNP said in a statement.
A mass was also held in the PNP’s memorial service.
The PNP said that it would hold a 44-kilometer bike ride from Luneta Park to Sta. Rosa, Laguna on Sunday for the culmination of the activities for the National Day of Remembrance for SAF 44.
On Jan. 25, 2015, 44 SAF commandos entered the bailiwick of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to arrest terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir alias "Marwan" and his Filipino lieutenant Basit Usman.
Marwan was killed in the operation which was dubbed as “Oplan Exodus.”
The operation, however, triggered a clash that claimed the lives of the police forces, 18 MILF members and five civilians. The incident also derailed the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
The BBL has since been renamed as Bangsamoro Organic Law that was enacted by President Rodrigo Duterte last year.
Families of SAF 44 troop to SC
Meanwhile, some relatives of the slain elite police force trooped to the Supreme Court on Friday, The STAR reported.
Some relatives of the slain SAF 44 men light candles to commemorate their death. | @EZMacairan pic.twitter.com/gNImXvSm2L
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) January 25, 2019
They were joined by members of Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption that represented the families of the SAF 44 in the proceedings at the Office of the Ombudsman. — Kristine Joy Patag with report from The STAR/Evelyn Macairan, video by The STAR/Edd Gumban
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