According to GMA News’ Saleema Refran, while there was a slight improvement in the police force’s morale following the incident, the overall mood during the event was somber and dignified.
Interior Secretary Mar Roxas led the ceremonies held Monday morning, where he highlighted the “ultimate sacrifice” made by the PNP-SAF members.
Roxas turned emotional when he asked that the Philippine National Anthem be sang for a second time as a tribute to the fallen officers, the report said.
“Hindi matatawaran ang kalakihan ng kadakilaan, ang katapangan, ang sakripisyo na pinagkaloob nila sa atin, na kung saan ‘yung banta ng terorismo sa ating bansa — lalo na sa ka-Mindanao-an, ay nabawasan dahil nakuha nila ang kanilang target na si Marwan,” he said during his remarks, referring to Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, who was killed during the operation.
“All of you who wear the uniform take an oath. All of you who wear a uniform every day, pagsuot niyo ng uniporme, alam ninyo na maaari kayong malagay sa peligro,” Roxas added.
The PNP, through its Board of Inquiry, is already looking into the incident, which started when SAF members entered an area in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, considered as bailiwick of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The TV report said Monday’s ceremonies began at around 7:30 a.m. with the arrival honors and wreath-laying before the Bantayog ng mga Bayaning Tagapamayapa, where the names of the 44 PNP-SAF officers will be engraved to join others who died in service.
A 21-gun salute was also offered to the fallen police officers during the event, attended by units present at Camp Bagong Diwa, including SAF. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KBK, GMA News
