Resolutions honoring slain SAF men filed in Senate

By: Maila Ager - 10 years ago

WILLIE LOMIBAO/CONTRIBUTOR PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — At least three separate resolutions have been filed at the Senate commending the men of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) for their bravery and heroism when they successfully put an end to the terror brought by Southeast Asia’s most wanted man at the cost of 44 comrades who perished in action during the botched Mamasapano operation last January 25.

The resolutions were filed by Senators Lito Lapid, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., who has been detained at the Camp Crame for plunder case filed against him and two other colleagues over the so-called “pork barrel” scandal.

Some 392 members carried out a clandestine operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao to take out Zulkifli bin Hir also known as “Marwan” and bomb expert Basit Usman. Marwan was killed during the raid while Usman managed to escape.

“The success of the operation unfortunately came at a high price as 44 officers and members of the raiding team perished and several others were wounded after a 10-hour gunfight reportedly with the elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and (the) Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF),” Lapid said in Senate Resolution 1149.

“The tragic loss of lives is greatly felt not only by the national police (organization) but is mourned by the Filipino people, who lost 44 dedicated members of the public service.”

“The Senate of the Philippines salutes the courage of the members of the PNP and honor the valor and heroism of those who sacrificed their lives to ensure that the country is safe and secure from the threats of terrorism,” Lapid added.

Revilla also filed Senate Resolution 1148 honoring and commending the “gallantry” of the fallen members of the PNP-SAF.

“The members of our force died in the line of duty, fulfilling their responsibility in maintaining peace and order in the country by going after suspected terrorists,” the senator said in the resolution.

“The fallen cops deserve (honor), respect and gratitude from our countrymen,” the resolution further said.

In his Senate Resolution 1150, Ejercito urged the Senate to recognize and honor the PNP-SAF members deployed inMamapasapano, Maguindanao, including the 44 members who were killed in the operation, for their “heroic performance of their sworn constitutional duty as protector of the state…”

“Despite the imminent loss of life, the entire SAF troop including the 44 members, who died, pursued the capture of Sulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Basit Usman. Such display of dedication and commitment by the members of the PNP-SAF to capture those who were considered enemies of the state deserves recognition,” reads the resolution.

Ejercito also proposed that a copy of his resolution be given to the concerned officers and members of the PNP-SAF and to the bereaved families of those who fought and died in the encounter.