The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region marked the National Day of Remembrance for the heroic sacrifice of the Special Action Force 44 as a renewal of purpose for the Philippine National Police during a ceremony held in front of the PRO-NIR Administrative Building in Bacolod City on Sunday, Jan. 25.
BGen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO NIR director, said that the commemoration was not merely ceremonial but a reaffirmation of the core values of the police service, emphasizing that leadership demands moral courage and that public trust is earned through sacrifice and integrity.
Ibay said the sacrifice of the 44 fallen SAF troopers in Mamasapano eleven years ago continues to define the meaning of duty, reminding police officers that the uniform represents a covenant of service and a commitment to stand firm in the face of danger.
On Jan. 25, 2015, a high-stakes counter-terrorism operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, intended to capture international terrorists, resulted in a tragic clash between the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (SAF) and local armed groups, leading to the loss of 44 elite commandos.
Ibay said that remembering the SAF 44 serves as a guide for the present generation of police officers, calling on them to translate the lessons of courage, discipline, and selflessness into everyday service to the public.
The activity was attended by the PRO NIR command group, regional and personal staff, personnel of the 6th Special Action Force Battalion, and other officers and members of the regional office.
A moment of silence and the offering of wreaths were held in honor of the SAF 44.
Ibay added PRO-NIR remains committed to honoring the legacy of the SAF 44 by protecting communities, upholding the rule of law, and carrying forward the mission for which the fallen commandos gave their lives.*