Duterte to kin of SAF 44: ‘We owe you a debt that cannot be repaid’

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos owe families of the fallen Special Action Force (SAF) commandos “a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid,” President Rodrigo Duterte said, even as he noted that people should keep in mind that “lasting peace comes with a very heavy price.”

In a message marking the 6th death anniversary of the so-called SAF 44 on Monday, the President also said families of the slain special police forces “have the love and respect of a grateful nation.”

The SAF members died in a clash in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano in Maguindanao province in 2015, while carrying an operation dubbed as “Oplan Exodus” against notorious terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, who was also killed in the battle.

“To their families and loved ones left behind by the 44 brave SAF personnel who perished on January 25, 2015, please know that we owe you a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid, and that you have the love and respect of a grateful nation,” Duterte said.

According to Duterte, the killing of the SAF 44 was a “heartbreaking incident.”

“Let us all remember that we have not just lost valiant police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation. On that day, there were also some of us who lost their husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, friends, and colleges whose memories will forever be in their hearts,” said Duterte.

In February 2017, Duterte declared every January 25 as a National Day of Remembrance for the fallen SAF 44 commandos.

KGA