Baguio City (CNN Philippines) — Families of the Special Action Force (SAF) commandos commemorated the first year death anniversary of their loved ones killed in the infamous Mamasapano encounter last year with a prayer walk and a tribute program in Baguio City on Saturday morning (January 16).
Holding balloons and posters, 37 of the 44 families marched from Session Road to the Ibaloy Heritage Garden where they reminisced the death of their loved ones through a simple program.
Related: Palace chides PNP over Mamasapano report
Led by the Cordillera Police Regional Office band, the parade was also joined by criminology students from universities as well as running priest Fr. Robert Reyes and former SAF director Gen. Getulio Napeñas.
Tears rolled freely as messages were delivered by the widows of SAF troopers Ryan Pabalinas, Peterson Carap, and Romeo Cempron. Their widows reiterated their call for justice for the slain policemen.
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In his speech, Napeñas said he will push to find justice for his fallen troopers, while at the same time criticized the government for its failed leadership.
He stressed that the operation was ordered by President Benigno Aquino III and that they were left hanging when the bloody encounter ended the life of the 44 commandos.
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“Taun-taon nating ise-celebrate ito. Never that we will forget itong 44 na ating mga kapatid and all others na nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay,” Napeñas said.
“This kind of leadership should be put to a stop. When our men in uniform are sent in harms way, to conduct high risk and dangerous operations to neutralize criminal na ito to the point na maaring mamatay o masugatan sila, we should never, never abandon them. And more so we should never put them down and discredit and dishonor them.”
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Last Friday night (January 15), the SAF families offered candles and flowers to their loved ones at the Burnham Lake Drive in a ritual called “atang” or offering to the souls.
