Baguio City, Philippines - On the 9th anniversary of the Mamasapano encounter, the Cordillera region paid tribute to its 14 fallen Special Action Force (SAF) troopers who exhibited unparalleled heroism.
On this fateful day in 2015, 44 SAF commandos executed Oplan Exodus in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, facing approximately 500 MILF fighters. The mission aimed to neutralize high-ranking terror suspects Zulkifli Abdhir ("Marwan") and Abdul Basit Usman.
In February 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte declared January 25 as the National Day of Remembrance for SAF 44, acknowledging the sacrifices made during the Mamasapano encounter.
Today, January 25, 2024, the Cordillera region paid homage to its gallant heroes in a ceremony at Camp John Hay, Baguio City. The towering memorial serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Cordilleran heroes.
Director for Police Community Relations PMGEN Edgar Alan Okubo, Police Regional Office PBGEN David K. Peredo Jr, and relatives of the fallen troops gathered at the ceremony, fostering a collective remembrance of the sacrifices made by these heroes.
A solemn roll call echoed across the ceremony, respectfully acknowledging the hometowns of the Cordillera's fallen SAF troopers. The 14 Cordilleran SAF Commandos are remembered with gratitude.
14 Cordilleran SAF Commandos
The 14 Cordilleran SAF Commandos remembered include PSI Gendat Tabdi of La Trinidad, Benguet; PSI Cyrus Anniban of Balbalan, Kalinga; PO1 Gringo Cayang-o of Sadanga, Mt. Province; PO1 Angel Kodiamat of Bontoc, Mt. Province; PO2 Peterson Carap of Kabayan, Benguet; PO2 Jerry Kayob of La Trinidad, Benguet; PO2 Nobel Kiangan of Mankayan, Benguet; PO3 Noel Golocan of Mankayan, Benguet, and Sagada, Mountain Province; PO2 Walner Danao of Irisan, Baguio City; PO3 Robert Allaga of Banaue, Ifugao; PO2 Franklin Danao of Tinoc, Ifugao; PO2 Nicky De Castro Nacino Jr. of Baguio City and Aurora Province; PO2 Joel Dulnuan of Ifugao; and PO1 Russel Bilog of Tabuk City, Kalinga, and Sagada, Mountain Province.
Director Okubo reflected on the tragic day, urging unity, coordination, and effective communication in pursuing national security. He emphasized that the sacrifices of the SAF 44 should motivate everyone to live with excellence in their duties and continue advocating justice and peace in the nation.
Meanwhile, Mayor Benjamin Magalong, represented by City Administrator Engr. Bonifacio Dela Peña, conveyed a heartfelt message, stating, “Their gallantry and dedication to duty will forever be etched in our nation’s history. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.”
As the Cordillera region reflects on this solemn occasion, the legacy of these fallen heroes lives on, inspiring a continued commitment to honor their sacrifices and uphold the principles for which they bravely fought.
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