Laoag City (CNN Philippines) — The provincial government of Ilocos Norte paid tribute to 44 fallen commandos of the Philippine National Police–Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) on Monday (January 25) during the anniversary of the firefight between Moro troops and government forces in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
The incident also took the life of five civilians and 18 soldiers of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
In front of the Provincial Capitol, 44 flags representing the commandos were hoisted during a special ceremony held in their honor. Activities included a commemorative mass and a wreath-laying ceremony.
Governor Imee Marcos said that the Philippine flag at the capitol’s façade was lowered to half-mast as a symbol of respect to the 44 SAF members, especially for Police Officer 3 Omar Nacionales of Marcos, Ilocos Norte, who left behind a widow, Police Officer 2 Gae Ann Guiniling.
The ceremony was attended by Nacionales’ family, government officials, and military personnel from the province.
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Provincial Resolution 173-2016, furnished after the 123rd Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on January 18, also mandates all component cities and municipalities of Ilocos Norte to put the National Colors at half-mast “to honor and give dignity to the forty-four members of the SAF who sacrificed their dreams and aspirations in the name of democracy.”
Since the tragedy, Nacionales’ family has received financial assistance from the national government estimated at P274,000, as well as a scholarship granted by the provincial government, through Marcos, to Nacionales’ sister Aleta.
In a phone interview, Aleta shared that it was her late brother’s wish to see her study again. She is presently in her second year of college taking up a business-related degree.
Meanwhile, Guiniling shared that she still grieves the death of her husband — but said that she has found renewed hope following the reopening of the case: “I firmly believe in due process, and I hope and pray that it will lead us to the justice we have all been waiting for.”
Related: FVR favors reopening of Senate probe of Mamasapano clash
