Cayetano on ‘SAF 44’: ‘Healing has to happen on both sides, and a component of healing is forgiveness’
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has called for healing, renewal and forgiveness as the nation approaches the 10th anniversary of the Mamasapano massacre in Maguindanao, where 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) died during a covert police operation.
Speaking at the annual New Year’s Thanksgiving lunch with members of the PNP-SAF at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig, Cayetano highlighted the importance of honoring the sacrifice of the 44 officers dubbed “SAF 44” who lost their lives in the tragic Mamasapano operation on Jan. 25, 2015.
“On Jan. 25, I hope we continue to honor those who gave their lives and the survivors. We continue to honor those hurt on the other side, but we also learn to heal and forgive. In healing and forgiveness, we have to learn to say, ‘this should not happen again,’” the senator said.
The tragic deaths of the SAF troopers, often referred to as the Mamasapano Massacre by sympathizers of the SAF 44, resulted from a botched covert operation to capture Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir (alias Marwan) and local terrorist Basit Usman on Jan. 25, 2015, in Mamasapano town’s Tukanalipao village.
‘SAF 44’: Gallantry hailed, battlefield fiasco recalled
Cayetano emphasized that true renewal must address the root causes of conflict. He cited the siege of Marawi City in 2017 as an example of a community still struggling after the war.
The senator expressed disappointment that Marawi residents continue to struggle with the lack of electricity and running water. “Until now, those whose houses were bombed have yet to receive compensation,” Cayetano lamented.
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He stressed that healing must take place on both sides.
“I know it’s painful. I know you distinguish between the terrorists and the freedom fighters. Those are different (entities). Those fighting for their own identity, our Muslim brothers, they are not terrorists,” he told SAF members during the Thanksgiving lunch.
“Healing has to happen on both sides, and a component of healing is forgiveness,” he added.
The senator praised SAF members for their hard work in defending the country and suggested a long-term modernization plan for SAF that would recognize their law enforcement efforts.
“If the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) has a modernization plan for 20 years, perhaps that’s the way to honor the PNP and SAF 44. Let’s also craft a 10-year plan for the SAF because, in the end, you deserve to be recognized for all of your sacrifices,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the SAF and ensuring their needs are met to honor the memory of the fallen 44.
“I hope I can be of help to you in helping Marawi and in fighting all forms of threats to our nation,” he said.
