By
Alma L. Tingcang
DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur - “This is a heart-rending incident
that affects all Dumalinaoans,” Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles said after a
special mass for the two fallen SAF heroes, PSI John Garry A. Erana and PI
Rennie Tayrus, held at the municipal hall ground last Jan. 30.
“They are a great loss to the people of
Dumalinao. They could have been future generals, PNP chief or occupy high
positions in government,” Cerilles, holding back tears said after the mass
officiated by Rev. Fr. Lukas Hadi Siswo Sasmito and Fr. Nestor Remasog.
The support of local officials, LGU
employees, academe, PNP, religious sector and concerned citizens was
overwhelming with the huge crowd that gathered in front of the municipal hall.
“We share the pain of the families of our
slain heroes. We need to know the truth. What really happened? All we want is
justice for the 44 fallen heroes in the Mamasapano encounter. So we could say
that they did not die in vain,” the young mayor was quoted as saying.
Cerilles added: “I know very soon, the
truth will come out, and justice will be served. I do hope and pray that the
national government and President Benigno S. Aquino III will look into it and
speed up the investigation.”
Cerilles said the
municipal council had passed a resolution recognizing PSI Erana and PI Tayrus
as heroes, including financial assistance of P50,000 each for their families.
PSI Erana’s remains
arrived Saturday with a huge crowd joining the convoy from Pagadian City
Airport to his residence in Barangay Paglaum, Dumalinao while PI Rennie Tayrus
and SPO3 Virgel S. Villanueva of San Pablo town arrived Sunday.
“I
assure the victims’ families that we will do our best to help. Let us all pray for
the bereaved families. We are one with you in this time of grief, and may God
comfort you in your deepest sorrow,” said Cerilles.