SAF OIC urges colleagues to protect slain comrades’ families, each other

Photo by Julliane Love De Jesus/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Help, protect and take care of the surviving families of their comrades and their very own Special Action Force (SAF) organization.

This was what Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, SAF officer in charge (OIC), pleaded to the colleagues of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police’s counterinsurgency unit who perished in a bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

“To the families of our fallen comrades, don’t quit. Don’t give up. To the SAF troopers, let’s not quit. Let’s not give up,” said Taliño, who recently replaced sacked SAF commander Police Director Getulio Napeñas, during the necrological services for his men on Friday.

“Let’s continue the fight. Now we request, for the 44 gallant men of SAF, tulungan po natin sila. Let’s take care, help, and protect their families,” Taliño said.

“Let’s also take care and protect the SAF,” he said. “According to General Napeñas, SAF is an organization where good men gather and are always ready to serve God, the country, the people and the organization.”

He also noted in his speech the ordeal of Police Officer 2 Christopher Lalan, of the 55th SAF company, who was the sole survivor in his unit.

“If you listen to his story, it’s just like the movie ‘Lone Survivor,’” Taliño said, asking Lalan and other survivors to stand up and be recognized.

Taliño also thanked Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, PNP OIC Deputy Director Gen. Leonardo Espina and President Benigno Aquino III “for giving support and help to the families and the SAF.”

“Before I bid adieu to these 44 brave men, I would like to cite a quote. Maybe you’ve seen this at the back,” he said.

Taliño then read the quote:

“While you enjoy the laughter of family and friends … in the safety and comfort of your homes, there are men and women who sacrifice time, effort, and their very lives in the fulfillment of their jobs and duties to give you normalcy. These are the men and women of the SAF, dedicated officers and dedicated troopers who are ready to die.”

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