Remembering the Gallant SAF 44

When it comes to the generations of warrior heroes before them, our fallen SAF 44 gave everything they had not for glory or recognition but for something greater than themselves. The least we can do is remember them and their ultimate sacrifices,” – PGEN RODOLFO AZURIN JR

On January 25, 2023, the Philippine National Police Academy paid tribute to the valor of the gallant SAF 44 in commemoration of their ultimate sacrifice at the Mamasapano incident eight years ago. It was my greatest privilege to hear from the heroes who survived the onslaught operation at the Mamasapano incident and lived so that they might tell the tale of their feats and the ultimate sacrifice of their fallen comrades. Without a clear understanding of what happened, not everyone from across the country was able to hear their own stories. I was truly inspired by every bit of the bitter truth that they expressed from the bottom of their hearts—that despite all this, they did not lose hope or trust in the government. Eventually, they had to live with it and carry on with their mission and service to the country. Though it is true that we see them as cool and good-looking in their combat uniforms, we can never really define their personalities solely by their outlook on life. They are an ideal model of a true patriot who is devoted to protecting the people and serving the country, even at the expense of doing the tasks assigned to them that are outside of their mandate and specialty in training. If only every Filipino youth would have the opportunity to listen to them, I believe that the sense of patriotism and heroism will once again motivate the hearts and minds of the Filipino people.