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Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Zambo City pays tribute to slain SAF 44
By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

ZAMBOANGA CITY, January 27 (PIA) – As a tribute to the 44 members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Forces (SAF) who were slain in an encounter with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during the Mamasapano massacre in Maguindanao a year ago, the City Hall here had flown its flag at half-mast Monday, January 25.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Zamboanga City will always be grateful to the Special Action Forces (SAF) for their bravery and heroism especially during the 2013 Zamboanga siege.

“The hearts of the Zamboangueños likewise go out to the next of kin of the slain SAF members, who offered their lives for the protection of their fellow Filipinos when they went out to accomplish their mission in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last year,” she said.

Moreover, various activities were held in the city to commemorate the first anniversary of the Mamasapano clash.

The Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) and other organizations also held commemorative activities as a tribute to the 44 SAF commandos, aside from the tribute done by the individual families of the SAF members who were laid to rest in the city.

The 55th Special Action Force Company under the 5th Special Action Battalion also offered a mass followed by a wreath-laying and commemorative program at its headquarters in Barangay Mercedes. In the morning, the SAF forces held a forced march.