The 44 elite Special Action Force commandos who died in the Mamasapano clash on January 25 were remembered during the Philippine National Police Academy’s 35th Grand Alumni Homecoming on Saturday at Camp General Mariano Castaneda in Silang, Cavite.
According to a report on GMA News TV’s Balitanghali, a wreath-laying ceremony and a 21-gun-salute were conducted at the Kalasag Memorial located at the grandstand of the PNPA.
The report added that the six fallen commandos, who were PNPA alumni, were awarded the Lakan Distinguished Award, while the rest were awarded the Lakan Recognition Award.
The six PNPA alumni were:
Sr. Insp. Ryan Ballesteros Pabalinas (class of 2006)
Sr. Insp. John Garry Alcantara Erana (class of 2009)
Sr. Insp. Max Jim Ramirez Tria (class of 2009)
Sr. Insp. Gednat G. Tabdi (class of 2009)
Sr. Insp. Cyrus Paleyan Anniban (class of 2010)
Insp. Rennie Tayrus (class of 2011)
Their trophies were awarded to their relatives in a ceremony, the report added.
Meanwhile, the report quoted PNPA Alumni Association Inc. Chairman Thomas Rentoy III as saying the SAF troopers who were not alumni were adopted by different classes.
The class would be in charge of looking into the needs of the family members of the slain troopers, the report added.
Vigilant defenders
Meanwhile, Vice President Jejomar Binay, who was the guest of honor at the event, said the homecoming this year had a tinge of sadness due to the deaths of the SAF commandos.
“This pain had led hard questions and urgent calls for just resolution, we do not need any document to say that the 44 gallant men of SAF, and their 15 wounded comrades had the greatest love for their brothers in their units, and the nation that they had vigilantly defended,” he said.
He added that the troopers deserved to be honored.
When asked by reporters about the Board of Inquiry report on the incident, Binay declined to comment, saying he has yet to read it. — Amanda Fernandez/BM, GMA News
