Baguio City, Philippines – Cordillera leaders honored today, January 25, the sacrifice of the 14 warriors who hailed from the region and were among the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) slain in what was dubbed as Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash.
Marking the seventh year of the encounter, Philippine National Police officials along with Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong held a wreath-laying ceremony at the SAF Memorial in Camp John Hay, Baguio City earlier today as part of National Remembrance for the heroic sacrifice of the SAF 44.
Among the PNP officials who attended the event are Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine and Development Deputy Director BGen. Prexy Tanggawohn, Police Regional Office Cordillera Director PBGen Ronald Lee, and PNP SAF-14th SAB Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Melchor Buaquen.
According to Philippine Information Agency, the 14 Cordilleran warriors are PO2 Peterson Carap of Kabayan, Benguet; PO1 Gringo Cayang-o of Sadanga, Mountain Province; PO1 Angel Kodiamat of Bontoc, Mountain Province; PO2 Jerry Kayob of La Trinidad, Benguet; PO2 Nobel Kiangan of Mankayan, Benguet; PO3 Noel Golocan of Mankayan, Benguet and Sagada, Mountain Province; PO2 Walner Danao of Irisan, Baguio City; PSI Gednat Tabdi of La Trinidad, Benguet; PSI Cyrus Anniban of Balbalan, Kalinga; PO3 Robert Allaga of Banaue, Ifugao; PO2 Franklin Danao of Tinoc, Ifugao; PO2 Nicky De Castro Nacino Jr. of Baguio City and Aurora Province; PO1 Russel Bilog of Tabuk City, Kalinga and Sagada, Mountain Province.
“Let the SAF 44 remind us that serving the country is never wrong to offer one’s life every step of the way, without hesitance, without reservations, and without regrets. After all, we, whom they have left behind, are always called upon to follow in their gallant footsteps! SAF 44, kailanman hindi kayo malilimutan,” Magalong said.
Meantime, Governor Ferdinand Tubban in Kalinga likewise sent out a message thru an interview with Guru Press Cordillera honoring the sacrifice of the fallen SAF 44 emphasizing their story as the paragon of service and love of one's country so the Filipino people can enjoy safety and freedom.
In his message, the Governor wished the story of SAF 44 not to be forgotten, adding prayers for God's providence to the families they left behind.
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