Heroism of SAF 44 extolled in day of remembrance

The Special Action Force (SAF) remembers the heroism of its 44 commandos, who died in the bungled anti-terror operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao three years ago. Malacañang has declared January 25 as National Day of Remembrance for the SAF 44. (INQUIRER.net/Julliane Love de Jesus)

The Special Action Force (SAF) commemorated on Thursday the heroism of its 44 commandos, who died in the bungled anti-terror operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao three years ago.

Dubbed as “SAF 44,” Malacañang had declared January 25 as national day of remembrance for the fallen members of the elite police force.

For the first time since 2015, retired police officer Getulio Napeñas and current SAF chief Police Dir. Noli Taliño led the memorial for the troopers killed in the ill-fated operation, “Oplan Exodus,” against Malaysian terrorist and bomb expert Zulkifli Bin Hir, alias “Marwan.”

Napeñas and Taliño were at the helm of the SAF during the planning and execution of Oplan Exodus in Mamasapano.

Families of the slain commandos were present during the memorial ceremony, which would entail a roll call of the slain SAF 44, ringing of the bell for each of the slain commandos, and 21-gun salute.                     /kga