Heroism of SAF 44 remembered in Cagayan Valley

TUGUEGARAO CITY — The heroism of the 44 fallen members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police was remembered by their police comrades in Cagayan Valley during the seventh anniversary of the Mamasapano encounter on Tuesday, Jan. 25

Lt. Col. Efren Fernandez II, Cagayan Valley police spokesperson, told the Inquirer that they paid tribute to the SAF 44 heroes through prayers and wreath-laying ceremonies in various police stations in the region.

“Their gallantry is not only remembered and commemorated, but it is also taken as an inspiration by the Philippine National Police to keep the fire of heroism burning,” Fernandez added.

Three scout rangers from Cagayan Valley were among the slain SAF 44 during the botched mission to capture a Malaysian bomber in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao province on Jan. 25, 2015. They were Police Staff Sergeants Loreto Capinding, Rodrigo Acob, and Andres Duque.

Their kin also joined the commemoration by offering Masses and saying prayers.