Remembering the 44 Fallen Heroes of PNP-SAF - Mistah Foundation

Remembering the 44 Fallen Heroes of PNP-SAF

Date: 15 Apr, 2016  No Comments

There is fear of death.

Then there is love for life.

It has been said that it is in our nature of being that we will try and do everything in our capacity to avoid, slip past through or make a delay on the probabilities of dying. Of course, who wouldn’t? But is that even possible?

We do not know what the future holds for us. Life expentancy isn’t a case of making a phone call or cancelling it when suddenly you’ve changed your mind at the command of your fingertips. We don’t have any control whatsoever when it comes to the duration of our lives. Simple as that. But we have been given the liberty to make up our mind and make our own decisions. Life’s choices. Free-will. We decide on what would be the best among the options available to choose from.

But sometimes, more often than not, there are things that could happen in our lives which might be the exact total opposite of how we wanted it to be. Like getting hurt. Nobody wants to get hurt. Or getting wounded. Or a major problem that needs to be resolved. Or perhaps, a life altering situation that could change our way of living from now on.

What sadly transpired in Mamasapano, Maguindanao barely a week ago sent shockwaves across the country and throughout the world which ultimately triggered a nationwide mourning and grievance that headlined multi-media platforms. It was not just a devastating blow to the general objectives of our nation’s advocacy against terrorism and insurgency. It is now being brought about the collective impact of how catastrophically the mission went and the magnitude of its manifestation here onwards.

That very unfortunate incident involving one of the Philippines’ finest, young, elite unit in our defense branch delegated within the southern region that eventually took the lives of 44 out of 45 combat patriots instantaneously opened the eyes of the ever carefree, non-chalant public on the hardships of our brave men in uniform and their often ignored, moreso neglected humble living on and off the battlefield.

That particular tragedy gave us time to contemplate on our own lives and how we have been spending every moment of it while they put theirs at high-risk fatality and come face to face with their possible demise just to ensure we can go on with what we want to do wherever we want to go and have a comfortable & peaceful sleep at night without any worries of armed rebels breaking in to our homes and doing harm to us.

Their heroic tribulation somehow gave us the much-needed wake-up call in ourselves and in our society, to self-reflect and learn to be more appreciative of what we have.

To say this with a heavy heart, their families were likely deprived of enjoying special occassions with them and never had enough chance to be affectionate, tell them they love each other so dearly that civilians outside the military circle can do with no restrictions. Call of duty, they’d probably shrugged off about.

These officers, enforcers, personnels and soldiers — they’re practically our modern day heroes. The protectors of our land who unconditionally serve as guardians of our freedom when called to battle and have faced death numerous times, not for fame or reward; nor for place or for rank; but in simple obedience to duty. We owe them everything we are relishing now as far as our independence from oppression is concerned. A salute won’t be enough for a courageous display of valiant stand & a real-life portrayal of the greatest form of sacrifice one will ever do — giving their lives for a greater purpose.

If there’s a meaningful thought in the midst of all this loss those mighty Fallen 44 have taught us, its this:

that the key to living life to the fullest is by loving the gift of life. Show love. Spread love. Be loved. It has to be the foundation of everything we cherish for. And make life as meaningful as possible.

As for them, by doing their task ‘to serve and protect,’ they’ve shown their expression of love for the country and love for their families..

They took the fall and thought of us. That alone deserves the highest respect and admiration for them and tribute we can pay for every soldier who fights for us..

“To our beloved warriors for peace and justice.. None of you died in vain out there. You fought courageously and with honor. You fought as brothers-in-arms of one another. You’re all now resting in peace side by side each other.

You may have been gone way too soon but you have already accomplished so much. You have given your all not just for our today, but for our safer tomorrow. Now, we have our own share of solemn obligation to you, our heroes..”

Our prayers are with your loved ones, for them to find peace, calmness and strength on dealing through the ordeal of your departure, our condolences to them in this trying times.

Special Action Force 44…

Saludo kami sa inyong kabayanihan! Maraming salamat sa inyong buong-pusong serbisyo at  dakilang sakripisyo di lamang para sa Pilipino kundi sa buong mundo!

You will never be forgotten..

Your proud comrade,

Richard T. Gubatan