By Emmanuel D. Taghoy
IPIL, Zamboanga
Sibugay – Days have been counted, the entire countryhas mourned
the death of the 44 slain PNP-SAF also tagged as the “Fallen 44” in the
ill-fated Mamasapano clash between theBangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
(BIFF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
This Sunday
(March 8) though marks the culmination of the 44 days mourning for the SAF
heroes, and the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Office (ZSPPO) decided to
embellish this significant day with a sympathy walk, run and bike, for a cause.
“We would like to
instill in the heart and mind of every law enforcer to value the supreme
sacrifice that the SAF 44 have done for the sake of God, country and people,”
said Police Senior Supt. Jose Bayani L. Gucela, officer-in-charge of ZSPPO in a
letter sent to the media.
PSSupt. Gucelaalsoserves
as Board of Director ofthe Philippine National Police Academy Alumni
Association Inc. (PNPAAAI) of Police Regional Office (PRO)- 9.
The activity will
commence around 5 o’clock in the morning from the assembly area in Acay compound,
Barangay Sanito, going to the Freedom Park in Barangay Poblacion near the Ipil
Obelisk-Rotunda, where the walk ends. As for the bikers, route goes to
Poblacion,Kabasalanand finishes inIpil Freedom Park, where a mass will then be
held.
“The distance
will be a total of 44 kilometers, signifying the 44 lives of the fallen
comrades,” explained PSSupt. Gucela.
He said the event
is also a fund raising activity.As such, participants are required to pay a
registration fee of P200, in which they will be given a
printed tee-shirtto be worn during the event.