BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Police Regional Office-Cordillera headed by Regional Director David Peredo Jr., in partnership with The Manor Hotel in Camp John Hay, led a National Day of Remembrance for the Heroic Sacrifice of SAF 44 at the Manor’s Garden on Saturday (January 25).
With the theme, “Courage Beyond Measure: Remembering the Sacrifices of the SAF 44 for Peace”, PRO – Cor and the Manor officials and personnel joined the families of the 14 Cordilleran police Special Action Force belonging to the heroic SAF 44 for a mass and offering of flowers at the Memorial Marker at the Manor’s Garden.
It was 10 years ago, on January 25, 2015, when the SAF 44 were killed in an anti-terrorist operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Edna Tabdi, the mother of the late PSInsp Gednat Tabdi of La Trinidad, Benguet, expressed gratitude to the PRO – Cor and the Manor for always spearheading the annual observance of the death anniversary of the SAF 44.
Their heroism, courage and honor to serve the country may never be forgotten and continue to inspire us for generations to come, Tabdi said.
Rhyza Danao, niece of the late PO2 Franklin Danao, also expressed gratitude for remembering the heroism of his uncle and his fellow SAF44. She shared that she was only nine years old when the SAF 44 incident happened but she still remembers how her uncle brought her to many places when he was on vacation or off from duty.
Now 18, and a college student at the University of Baguio, Rhyza is inspired to follow the footsteps of her uncle and is applying at the Philippine National Police Academy.
Peredo, in a media interview, also encourage the public, the community to be inspired with the heroism and sacrifices of the SAF44, as he also calls for unity and collaboration with the PNP and other law enforcement agency in ensuring a peaceful communities and comfortable life for all.
“Sana maalala natin na ito ay nangyari para mabuhay ang ilang mga kababayan natin. They sacrificed their life so that others may live. Huwag po nating sayangin ang kanilang sakripisyo, gumawa po tayo ng tama sa ating buhay, pangalagaan po natin ang ating seguridad, individually, in our family and in our community,” Peredo said.
“Magtulungan po ang ating community at ang kapulisan at ibang law enforcement agencies para mapangalagaan ang katahimikan at magawa natin ng maayos ang ating mga plano sa buhay, maging maayaos ang ating buhay at maging masaya tayong lahat,” he added. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR