Camp Marcelo A Adduru, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines – In observance of the National Day of Remembrance per Presidential Proclamation No. 164, the Police Regional Office 2, recognizes the valor of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members with a commemoration service, today, January 25,2026 at SAF 44 Monument in Police Regional Office 2.
The commemoration was graced by Police Brigadier General Antonio P Marallag,Jr., who represented the Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police and served as the Keynote Speaker.
Along with the bereaved families of the fallen heroes and the 11th Special Action Battalion of the PNP-SAF, PBGen Mrallag,Jr, led the wreath-laying ceremony.
Marallag, also conveyed the message of PNP Acting Chief, PLtGen. Jose Melencio C Nartatez,Jr., during the occasion.
“No words can truly ease your pain.Your loss is deep, and it does not disappear with time. For you, this is not just history. You did not only lose police officers. You lost loved ones who should have come home. And o n this day, we want you to know this, we remember with you. We honor them with you and we stand with you. The Philippine National Police remembers your loved ones not only today, but every day. Their names live on in our history, and in every police officer who chooses courage, restraint, and integrity in the line of duty.”, Nartatez said.
Nartatez, further emphasized that the country must never forget the incredible bravery and love for the country displayed by the SAF 44 during the counterterrorism operation in Mamasapano, even as freedom is finally felt in Maguindanao.
“To our fallen heroes of SAF 44: You have done your duty. You have paid the highest price. And today, we stand here because of your valor. Hindi namin kayo kinalimutan at hindi namin hahayaang manatili lamang sa alaala ang inyong sakripisyo. Ipinapangako naming na maglilingkod kami nang may dangal, tapang, at malasakit.”,Nartatez added.
The Mamasapano clash resulted in the death of 44 SAF troopers, six of whom were natives of Cagayan Valley namely: Police Officer 2 Joel Dulnuan of Nueva Vizcaya, Police Officer 1 Loreto Capinding II, Police Officer 3 Rodrigo Acob, and Andres Duque, Jr. of Isabela Province, and Police Officer 2 Richelle Baluga and Police Officer 1 Oliebeth Viernes of Cagayan Province.
The SAF 44 died in a police operation called “OPLAN EXODUS” while carrying out an operation against terrorism in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.
