Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Political analyst Ramon Casiple said on Tuesday (August 4) that it’s good that Vice President Jejomar Binay discussed the heroism of the 44 members of the elite police force in his so-called True State of the Nation Address (TSONA). But it was overdramatic.
With a mural of the SAF44 (Special Action Force) as backdrop, the vice president thanked the police officers for their sacrifice by calling their names one by one.
“You don’t need to do that… Di mo kailangang gawing drama, ” Casiple said. “Patay na nga, ilalagay mo pa sa gitna ng political controversy. Sinobrahan mo pagsakay sa issue.”
[Translation: “You need not put drama into the incident. They’re already dead and should not be dragged into a political controversy. You rode on the issue too much.”]
The tribute to the SAF44 was Binay’s response to President Benigno Aquino III’s SONA, which failed to acknowledge the deadly encounter between the SAF and Muslim rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January.
In a statement, Binay’s spokesman, Joey Salgado, said the SAF44 deserved to be recognized and it would be insensitive to forget their sacrifice.
But Casiple said it was obvious that Binay used the issue to boost his candidacy.
He conceded, however, that the message touched the family and friends of the SAF44.
Telly Sumbilla, mother of slain SAF trooper PO3 John Lloyd Sumbilla, said families of the SAF44 were thankful for what Binay did.
“Kung sino ang may malasakit sa amin, nagpapasalamat kami. Kaysa wala na, hindi kami binabanggit,” Sumbilla said.
[Translation: “We are grateful for the concern. It is better than not being mentioned at all.”]
An emotional Sumbilla admitted they were hurt when President Aquino failed to mention their loved ones in his SONA.
“Parang binubura na, parang binabasura na ang kabayanihan nila,” she said.
[Translation: “It’s as if they’re trying to erase and throw away the memory and the sacrifice.”]
The families reiterated their cry for justice.
Sumbilla hoped their appeal won’t fall on deaf ears — especially now that Congress will resume discussions on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
