Remembering the SAF 44: A decade of unserved justice

MANILA, Philippines — A decade has passed since the tragic events in Mamasapano claimed the lives of 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).

Yesterday, the PNP gathered to commemorate the Day of National Remembrance held at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Grandstand at Camp Gen. Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite.

The ceremony, attended by families of the fallen commandos, police officials and government leaders, was a solemn tribute to the memory and legacy of the SAF 44, who perished in the line of duty in that town of the then undivided Maguindanao province on Jan. 25, 2015.

On that day, the 44 SAF commandos were part of the team executing Oplan Exodus in a remote village in Mamasapano.

The operation aimed to capture two key targets: Zulkifli Abdhir, alias Marwan, a Malaysian terrorist and bomb-maker affiliated with Jemaah Islamiyah, responsible for multiple deadly bombings in the Philippines, and Abdul Basit Usman, a senior leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The group successfully eliminated Marwan, but as the SAF troopers retreated, they were ambushed by guerillas from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, BIFF and other private armed groups, leading to the deaths of 44 policemen, 18 MILF members and five BIFF members.

In his speech, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla reflected on the enduring sacrifice of the SAF 44 and the challenges that remain in pursuing justice.

“In their pursuit of their mission and their devotion as soldiers, they gave their service. They served their honor. But the question is: where is the justice? The justice for the 44 will never be found,” Remulla said.

“We have forgotten who is accountable. We have forgotten who is responsible. And we will never find it,” he added.

To pay tribute to the SAF 44, Remulla urged the establishment of a new “code of ethics, freedom and service” for the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, highlighting the necessity of meaningful reforms to uphold their legacies and foster future progress.

“What we will do is reform. What we will pursue is true change because the sacrifice of the SAF 44 deserves nothing less,” he said.

The chief of the Department of the Interior and Local Government urged attendees to honor not only the SAF 44, but also the countless men and women in uniform who risk their lives to ensure the nation’s safety.

“Let us not forget the SAF 44. But most of all, let us not forget our oath, our duty and our love for country,” he said.

The day also highlighted the resilience of the widows and families left behind by the fallen modern-day heroes.

Despite the pain, they said they continue to honor their loved ones through community engagement and by keeping their memories alive.

Julie Cayang-o, widow of police corporal Gringo Cayang-o, spoke on behalf of the families of the fallen, her voice filled with both grief and gratitude.

“Ten years may seem a long time, but it feels like yesterday when I heard the words that shattered my world. The pain of that loss has been a constant companion, but it has been intertwined with a profound sense of pride, knowing that my husband and his comrades chose to serve, to defend and to protect the values we hold dear,” Cayang-o said.

She thanked the government and the PNP for their continued support, which has helped families cope with the immense loss.

“Your dedication in providing us with the resources and assistance we need is a testament to your commitment in honoring our fallen heroes. Thank you for ensuring that their sacrifices are recognized and that their legacies live on through the support offered to us,” she said.

Across the country, events were held to commemorate the SAF 44.

In Kabayan, Benguet, a solemn ceremony at Eddet Elementary School honored local hero, the late PO2 Peterson Carap.

The local government emphasized the importance of educating the younger generation about Carap’s sacrifice.

His legacy, like those of his comrades, is celebrated annually in Kabayan.

Proclamation 01-2015, issued shortly after the tragedy, declared Jan, 25 as “Fallen Hero Day” in his honor.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 5 in Bicol marked the occasion with a mass at the Sto. Niño Chapel at Camp Simeon Ola, followed by a flag-lowering ceremony at the PRO-5 Parade Ground, where regional personnel gathered to honor their courage and sacrifice.

The SAF 44’s story over the years has been tainted by controversy. Their mission revealed operational lapses, questions of accountability and political blame-shifting.

In the aftermath, former PNP chief Alan Purisima and then SAF director general Getulio Napeñas were cleared of graft and usurpation of authority charges by the Sandiganbayan regarding their roles in the massacre.

Purisima, who had been placed on a six-month preventive suspension in 2014 over an anomalous contract with courier firm Werfast Documentation Agency Inc. in 2011, was accused of actively participating in the planning of Oplan Exodus despite being under suspension.

Reports from a board of inquiry led by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and subsequent congressional hearings criticized the lack of coordination and communication, particularly between then president Benigno Aquino III’s office and the PNP, which hindered the response to the ambush. — Elizabeth Marcelo, Emmanuel Tupas