‘No easy answers’: Cordilleran families remember SAF 44

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Eleven years after the Mamasapano clash that killed 44 elite police commandos, remembrance at Camp John Hay on Sunday, January 25, was marked not only by ceremonial rituals but also by enduring grief

At the Day of National Remembrance for the Heroic Sacrifice of the SAF 44, it was the voice of a widow, Janet Carap, wife of gallant SAF trooper PSSg Peterson Carap, that carried the weight of the ceremony.

“For the nation, this day marks a chapter in our history. But for us, the families, this day marks the story of our lives,” Carap said, addressing fellow families, police officials, and guests. She said it took her a week to write the speech.

On January 25, 2015, 44 members of the Philippine National Police–Special Action Force (SAF) were killed during Oplan Exodus, a counterterrorism mission in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, aimed at neutralizing high-value targets including Malaysian bomb-maker Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan.

Although Marwan was killed, SAF troopers were later surrounded and overwhelmed in clashes involving armed elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

The incident sparked nationwide mourning and investigations that cited serious lapses in planning, coordination, and command responsibility. It remains the deadliest single-day loss in PNP history.

January 25 is now observed annually as the Day of National Remembrance for the Gallant SAF 44.

Cordillera families and survivors

Of the 14 SAF troopers from the Cordillera who died in Mamasapano, 12 families attended the commemoration in Baguio this year. Also present were two surviving Cordilleran SAF members, PCPT Christopher I. Lalan and PCMS Jose S. Mana-ar Jr.

Families of the gallant included relatives of Gednat Tabdi, Peterson Carap, Franklin Danao, Jerry Kayod, Angel Kodiamat, Robert Aliaga, Noble Kiangan, Russel Bilog, Gringo Cayang-o, Noel Golocan, Walner Danao, and Felecita Nacino.

In her message, Carap said remembrance is deeply personal for the families left behind, honoring the SAF 44 as “not only uniformed heroes, but the men we loved, the men we waited for, the men we prayed for, the men who promised to come home but gave their lives instead.”

She stressed that the story of the SAF 44 should not be reduced to tragedy alone, but a source of wisdom and inspiration for our nation.

“From their courage, we learn to face difficult moments with integrity. From their discipline, we learn commitment,” sie said. “From their sacrifice, we learn that love—whether for family or for country—is the greatest motivator of all.”

Carap also spoke candidly about grief that persists more than a decade later, a journey that has been “long, painful… that offers no shortcuts and no easy answers”

She acknowledged that many questions surrounding the incident remain unanswered and added that “longing for justice continues to live within us… It is a weight we carry every day—heavy, painful, and difficult to bear.”

After reflecting on grief and the enduring quest for justice, Carap turned her focus to what the commemoration means for the families themselves. While it is a healing that does not take away the pain, it still help them carry it “with renewed courage.”

“A healing that does not ask us to forget, but reminds us that love can endure even after loss,” she said.

‘They went on a mission and did not come home’

Representing the host venue, John Hay Hotels General Manager Roberto A. Garcia said the commemoration was intentionally simple and solemn. Its purpose was to center the families and honor the memory of the fallen.

“Today, we remember not just how they died, but how they lived—with courage, discipline, and love for country,” Garcia said.

He added that while their work differs from that of police officers, the values reflected by the SAF 44 remain universal.

“The safety and peace we often take for granted come at a very high cost. It is paid for by the bravery of men and women who choose service over self,” he said.

A message from Acting PNP Chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr., read by PRO-CAR Director PBGEN Ericson D. Dilag, underscored the national significance of the day. He said remembrance must translate into responsibility, discipline, and accountability within the police force.

“Eleven years ago, 44 members of the Special Action Force went on a mission and did not come home,” Nartatez said, adding that 44 lives were lost and 44 families were forever changed.

The ceremony concluded with the sounding of taps, a volley firing, and the blessing of the SAF memorial.

As families stood beside police officers, the message echoed throughout the grounds of Camp John Hay: remembrance is not only about honoring the dead, but about being worthy of their sacrifice.

For the families of the SAF 44, as Carap said, this is not history. This is life. – Rappler.com