Bishop says SAF deaths show value of peace

POLICEMEN and women hold lighted candles during Mass for the 44 police commandos who, protesters said, were sent to their deaths in a clandestine operation to kill or capture international terrorist Marwan. JUNJIE MENDOZA/CEBU DAILY NEWS

CEBU CITY – The deaths of 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) reminded Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma of the loss that his own family experienced.

Palma’s younger brother, a captain in the Philippine Marines, died in an ambush in Jolo several years ago, according to the bishop during Mass offered for the SAF commandos on the 40th day of their death.

“Every time I think of him and those who died, I say to myself, may we give importance to the value of our brothers who give their lives [up] for peace,” said Palma during his homily.

“We must value peace and life,” he added.

Palma celebrated Mass for the 44 SAF commandos around 5 p.m. on Friday at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in downtown Cebu City.

The widows of PO1 Windel Candano and PO1 Romeo Cempron, however, were a no-show in the Mass organized by the group Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan (Umbas) of the Archdiocese of Cebu and the police regional office in Central Visayas.

Fr. Carmelo Diola, Umbas member, said the group was informed that Dr. Christine Cempron was attending the Mass in Consolacion town, Cebu that her family had organized for her husband.

Michelle Candano, on the other hand, was attending to her father who was hospitalized, said Diola.

In his homily, Palma said the Mass was not only for the 44 SAF members but also for the five civilians and 18 Muslim fighters who died in the encounter on Jan. 25.

“We lift them to God. They would be given eternal rest. Life would not be the same again for them,” he said.

He quoted the message of Pope Francis in Tacloban City, Leyte during the Holy Father’s visit on Jan. 17 to comfort the survivors of Supertyphoon Yolanda (International name: Haiyan).

“We cannot understand it. We cannot give an explanation why it happened. I know He will not abandon us,” he said.

Palma also called on everyone to pray for peace and the attainment of peace.

The Mass ended with the lighting of candles and prayers for the eternal repose of those who died in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao province during a supposedly clandestine operation to kill or capture international terrorist Marwan.

In Northern Samar, the family of PO1 Joseph Sagonoy held a simple celebration to commemorate the 40th day of his death.

The family gathered around his tomb at the public cemetery in San Roque town, Northern Samar on Friday for Mass.

They had a simple meal of rice, fried noodles, fish, boiled camote and boiled bananas.

“It has been 40 days since Joseph died but the pain remains fresh as we continue to seek justice and for the issue of who should be held responsible to have closure,” said Josephís uncle, Rogelio Saganoy.

He told Inquirer in a phone interview that the 40th day of Saganoy’s death was both “happy and sad.”

“We’re sad because he died during the battle but at the same time, we’re happy because he died for the country,” Rogelio said.

He, however, said the family didnít agree with calls for President Aquino to resign to atone for the Mamasapano debacle.

“What is the use if he (Mr. Aquino) will resign or say sorry? It already happened. The person who might succeed him may turn out to be worse than him,” he said.