"Remembering the heroic sacrifice of SAF 44: A tribute by PNPA Cadets"

PNPA Cadets of Masidtalak Class of 2023 paid tribute and attended the National day of remembrance for the heroic sacrifice of SAF 44 held at H5SAB, Old ATO Radar Station, Mercedes, Zamboanga City. Today, we honored the Valor SAF 44 soldiers as we remembered how they gave their lives in service to our nation. The widows and distraught relatives of our Valor 44 soldiers were overcome with grief as they relived the moments when insurgents in Mamasapano killed their loved ones.

It is a great privilege and honor for cadets like us to personally witness this event with the families of the SAF 44 in commemoration of the eighth anniversary of National remembrance day for their heroic sacrifice. We could not help our tears from rolling out when the wife of PMAJ Tabdi, one of the gallant SAF 44, shared their last conversation on the phone with her husband just before the start of the Oplan Exodus.

“Kinakabahan ako, magtago ka talaga, kung kelangan magtago ka sa mga malalaking bato gawin mo basta makalabas kalang nang buhay.”

“Okay ma’am! Wag na mag alala, mabilis lang to, Uuwi din kami after nang operation,” PMAJ Tabdi responded to her wife.

After waiting for the next call, she finally received one.

“Ma’am, tibayan mo loob mo! Iniwan na po tayo ni sir Tabdi, Wala na po siya. [1]

Who would think that six of the slain leaders of SAF 44 were also graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy? It makes us very proud to see our upper-classmen as heroes who gave their lives for God, our country, and our people. As they fearlessly faced the enemies of the state on that fateful day of January 25, 2015, this reminds everyone of the sterling moral indoctrination and devotion to duty that is a true mark of a Lakan, or a PNPA graduate.

The proud posture of the surviving Oplan Exodus soldiers from the 84th, and 55th Special Action Companies symbolizes the greatness of the mission's success and the hopes and goals left behind by their comrades. Nonetheless, the high losses suffered remind us of the steep price that must be paid to ensure the freedom of our people.

As cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), the finest thing we can do to commemorate them as aspiring young officers is to pray and remember their bravery. In doing so, we may carry on their legacy. The greatest act of gratitude that the entire Filipino people can ever give to the eternal souls of SAF 44 will be to live a productive and dignified life that contributes to the well-being of our country. As a future officer myself, may this experience serve as a motivation to give my best efforts as a sacrifice for God, my country, and my people. [2]

We proudly salute the gallant SAF 44, our modern-day heroes.

References:

[1] - Verbal conversation with Mrs. Tabdi, widow of PMAJ TABDI, on January 25, 2023.

[2] - https://web.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=118054614515030&set=pcb.118054664515025