Photo by Julliane Love de Jesus/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Forty four days after the Mamasapano tragedy that took the lives of 44 elite policemen, one of their widows, Erica Pabalinas, the woman who boldly demanded justice from President Benigno Aquino III, is still seeking for truth and accountability for her husband.
“It has been 44 days and each day has not been easier. We wake up to the reality that 44 days since their deaths that we are not closer to knowing the truth behind their deaths,” the widow of Chief Inspector Ryan Pabalinas said during the Mass after the sympathy walk for the slain 44 policemen on Sunday morning.
“Again, I say Mr. President, please help us gain justice and know the truth. I say again Mr. President, please serve us justice and truth.”
The Pabalinas family was among those who participated in the 44-kilometer sympathy walk for justice largely attended and organized by alumni of the Philippine National Police Academy.
‘Where is justice for SAF 44?’
Mrs. Pabalinas earlier gave a speech before Aquino, top police officials and families of the 44 men during the necrological service for the slain commandos in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
The 44 Special Action Force commandos died in a sensitive mission targeting an international terrorist that went awry and led to a clash with Moro rebels.
The Mamasapano incident has threatened to derail the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
“Ryan was a law enforcer. He committed himself to the service of rendering and delivering justice, upholding the law and help those who seek out justice. That’s why it’s so hard for us to understand why and how is the justice being unselfishly served and delivered to those who needed it,” she lamented.
“They serve for justice but where is justice for them now?” Pabalinas said as her voice quivered.
‘We do not want blood money’
Despite the surge of financial and livelihood assistance being donated to the orphaned families, Pabalinas said no amount could compensate for the death of her husband and 43 of his comrades.
“We want the government and our national leaders to know that we do not want blood money. We don’t want blood money for the deaths of our husbands. We families of the 44 men, seek one thing, for the truth and justice to be served,” she said.
But Pabalinas also pointed out that the families appreciate the assistance government agencies and individuals from the private sector are giving them.
‘Ang Tatay Kong Pulis’
After the ecumenical mass at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish at Claret School in Quezon City, Pabalinas’ three-year-old daughter went to the altar to sing for her father.
Wearing the athletic uniform of the PNP, Camille Ryean innocently waved to the cameras while her mother carried the microphone for her.
“Daddy, mahal kita,” the toddler said before singing a line from the song “Ang Tatay Kong Pulis.”
“Para sa akin ang tatay ko ay bayani… Kahit na ano pa ang sabihin, ang tatay kong pulis ay bayani sa puso ko…” she sang.