Flags at half-mast in military camps for fallen elite cops

Philippine flags at Camp Aguinaldo are flown at half-mast on Tuesday, January 27, as a tribute to the fallen policemen killed in a bloody encounter with the combined members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao over the weekend. FRANCES MANGOSING/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine flags at military camps nationwide were flown at half-mast as a tribute to the fallen members of the elite Special Action Force who were killed in a bloody encounter with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao over the weekend.

“We mourn the loss of these brave policemen who paid the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for our country. They fought heroically and they have not died in vain,” Armed Forces chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said in a statement on Tuesday.

The flags were flown at half-mast effective Tuesday for a period of five days.

At least 44 were killed and a dozen were wounded in clashes described by the government as a “misencounter” in Mamasapano town last Sunday.

Military chief bishop Leopoldo Tumulak has requested military, police and coast guard chaplains to include the fallen policemen in their Mass intentions.

A Mass will also be held at the St. Ignatius de Loyala Cathedral at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday for the fallen policemen.

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