SILANG, Cavite (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has affirmed the government's commitment to fulfill the dreams of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos who lost their lives in a tragic encounter with terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, nine years ago.

Speaking during the National Day of Remembrance of the Heroic Sacrifice of the SAF 44 at Camp General Castañeda in Silang, Cavite, on Jan. 25, Marcos emphasized that it is the obligation of the State to help realize the SAF 44’s dreams for their families, for their children, for their comrades, and for the Filipino people as a way of giving meaning to their valor.

“It is now up to us, who lived, who benefited from their full measure of devotion to duty, to build a kinder and gentler society, wherein those they have left behind can live in peace and prosperity. That is the mission they have left us to pursue when they did not return from their last patrol,” the President said.

For the families of the fallen SAF 44, the pain lingers as if the tragic incident that occurred nine years ago happened just like yesterday.

Raechel June Sumbilla, wife of the late PMSgt. John Lloyd Sumbilla, shared the pain she went through after the tragic death of her husband.

“As a wife, I knew the daily risks my husband faced as part of the SAF. But nothing prepared me for the news of his tragic passing. The pain was unimaginable, and the void he left behind seems impossible to fill.”

Sumbilla also recounted her husband's sacrifices in the line of duty to protect and serve the country.

“As wives, we have witnessed the sacrifices our husbands made for the greater good. We have seen their unwavering commitment to protecting our society and ensuring the safety of our countrymen. Behind those members of SAF 44, there are wives who held their husbands' dreams and aspirations close to their hearts,” she stated.

Citing their shared experiences, Sumbilla called for her fellow wives to be strong, especially for their children who needed them.

She also thanked everyone who supported them during the trying times and reminded everyone to also celebrate the heroism and patriotism her husband and SAF 44 showed.

“As we gather here to commemorate their lives, let us not just mourn our loss but also celebrate their heroism and victory that defined them. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to those who have stood by us during our times of sorrow,” she said.

The 44 policemen were killed in a firefight with Muslim rebels during an operation called "Oplan Exodus" at Tukanalipao in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on January 25, 2015.

On February 21, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation No. 164, declaring January 25 of every year as the Day of National Remembrance for the fallen. (AM/PIA-4A)