VP Sara honors SAF 44 fallen in Mamasapano

Vice President Sara Duterte honored the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos killed in an anti-terror operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao nine years ago on Saturday.

The country observes January 25 as the National Day of Remembrance for the Heroic Sacrifice of the SAF 44, with a ceremony held by the Philippine National Police in Silang, Cavite earlier today.

Duterte emphasized the importance of national unity and collective responsibility to protect the country's security, calling the sacrifice of the SAF commandos a 'powerful reminder' of these values.

The vice president also acknowledged the risks that law enforcement and armed forces personnel face while performing their duties and expressed hope that lessons learned from this tragic loss would inspire unity for a safer future.

Two MILF commanders were convicted last December by a Taguig court on 35 counts of homicide related to the deaths of the SAF commandos, though former SAF chief Getulio Napeñas Jr. believes justice has yet to be fully served.