PRO-CAR honors SAF 44 on 11th anniversary

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Police in the Cordillera region on Saturday led solemn rites honoring 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos killed in a 2015 counterterrorism operation, marking the 11th anniversary of one of the country’s deadliest police encounters.

The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR), headed by Regional Director PBGEN Ericson D. Dilag, held the commemorative ceremony at John Hay Hotels inside Camp John Hay, drawing police officials, SAF personnel, families of the fallen, and invited guests.

The tribute featured a wreath-laying ceremony, volley firing, the sounding of taps and a 21-gun salute rendered by the Philippine National Police–Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).

A blessing of the SAF Memorial followed, honoring the 44 commandos who died during an operation against a wanted international terrorist in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on Jan. 25, 2015.

Fourteen of the slain troopers were from the Cordillera region, giving the annual observance particular significance in Northern Luzon, where officials described their sacrifice as part of the region’s legacy of service in elite security units.

Among those present were members of the PRO-CAR command group, Baguio City Police Office Director PCOL Ruel D. Tagel, 11th Special Action Battalion Commander PLTCOL Lorenzo Solang Dalang III, John Hay Hotels General Manager Roberto A. Garcia, and relatives of the SAF 44.

In a message from Acting Philippine National Police Chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., read by Dilag, the police chief said the SAF 44’s actions remain a “powerful reminder” of the profession’s risks and responsibilities.

“The SAF 44 remind us why this profession must never be taken lightly. Their sacrifice calls on us to serve with discipline, unity, and deep respect for human life, to think before we act, to lead responsibly and to protect the people entrusted to us,” the message said.

The observance was held in line with Proclamation No. 164, which designates Jan. 25 each year as the National Day of Remembrance for the SAF 44, honoring uniformed personnel who risk their lives in the line of duty.

Police officials said the ceremony underscored PRO-CAR’s commitment to uphold professionalism, unity and service, ensuring that the legacy of the SAF 44 continues to guide present and future generations of officers.