PNP retirees urge PH gov’t to take steps to protect cops in combat missions
MANILA, Philippines – An organization of retired policemen appealed to the government to protect its policemen in the wake of the massacre of 44 Special Action Force troopers in Maguindanao last week.
The Philippine National Police Retirees Association vowed to closely monitor the progress of the board of inquiry’s probe of the Mamasapano encounter last January 25, which also left 13 policemen injured.
“This incident is of grave concern to the PNPRA and we urge the government to adopt measures to protect our law enforcers,” the organization said in a statement.
The PNPRA joined the rest of the country in offering its condolences to the kin of the slain commandos, who were brought home to their respective provinces over the weekend.
The retirees’ organization pointed out that the SAF troopers were only doing their job when they tried to serve arrest warrants against two wanted terrorists last January 25 when they were waylaid by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
“Justice must be served for it is only in that manner we can show to everyone and all Filipinos the sincerity and trustworthiness of everyone involved in the peace process,” part of the statement read.
The PNPRA also expressed support for the Philippine government and the PNP’s initiatives to investigate the massacre through a board of inquiry which would lead the probe.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency also expressed its sympathies to the slain SAF troopers, their fellow law enforcers.
PDEA director general Arturo Cacdac Jr. extended his condolences to the families, whom he hoped would find peace and comfort during the difficult trial.
Cacdac served in the Philippine Constabulary and the Philippine National Police for 34 years before his appointment to the PDEA.
“We are enormously proud of their bravery, loyalty and sacrifices in the campaign against crime and terrorism. Their ultimate sacrifices will never be forgotten,” the PDEA chief said in a statement.
He added that the PNP has been one of the PDEA’s strongest partners in the national anti-illegal drugs campaign and against crime as he lauded the heroes for their sacrifices.
