In Negros Oriental Judiciary members pay tribute to 44 SAF heroes

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – Members of the judiciary of Negros Oriental called on the Philippine National Police to be circumspect in its daily tasks of maintaining peace and order and countering lawlessness, following the January 25 Mamasapano bloodbath that killed 44 Special Action Force commandos.

At least seven judges and the provincial legal officer joined the Negros Oriental Police Office in the regular Monday morning flag-raising ceremony where a simple wreath-laying activity was held to honor the 44 SAF men during their operation to get Marwan, an alleged international "terrorist".

Negros Oriental Executive Judge Gerardo Paguio, Jr., in a brief message addressed to those who attended the ceremony, slammed the killings in Mamasapano, Maguindanao and described it as "lawlessness in its vilest form".

Paguio said, "Their heroism deserves proper recognition", referring to the SAF men who died in a fierce battle with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

"However, let us not allow this event to make us falter or faint. Let us meet lawlessness face to face, ... with greater resolve and determination," said Paguio.

The judge said those who had fallen can be given due honor. "Remember, law and order depends on us. We are (at) the forefront of this effort for peace and law and order," he added.

Provincial Legal Officer Richard Enojo, guest speaker in the flag-raising ceremony, cited the men and women in uniform as the "daily heroes" of the land who selflessly give themselves in service for the sake of peace and law and order. Enojo however said the deaths of the 44 SAF commandos were "caused by erroneous tactical operation. ... by errors of high ranking officials".

Enojo ended his message with a call for prayers for the eternal repose of the slain 44 SAF men and "for righteousness in the service".

Also present during the wreath-laying and flag-raising activity were Regional Trial Court judges Arlene Catherine Dato, Marie Rose Inocando Paras, Rafael Cresencio Tan, Neciforo Enot and Voltaire Xenon Repollo.

Senior Superintendent Mariano Natuel Jr, director of the NOrPPO, said Monday's activity was primarily for the judiciary members, as his command had already paid its tribute to the 44 SAF heroes right after the Mamasapano clash last month.