Hundreds join Sympathy walk for Fallen 44, despite reversal of permit by QC gov’t

On the morning of January 29, 2015, the remains of the members of the PNP Special Action Force slain in Mamasapano arrived at the Villamor Air Base. The fallen PNP SAF were accorded arrival honors, led by the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas, PNP Deputy Dir. Gen. Leonardo Espina, and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang. (Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office)

MANILA, Philippines — The sympathy walk for the 44 slain commandos of the Special Action Force division of the Philippine National Police continued yesterday morning, Sunday, despite the Quezon City government’s decision to revoke the permit for the activity. The permit was nullified on grounds of “security reasons.”

Nonetheless, scores of police personnel – both retired and active – walked together with the widows and families of the 44 SAF operatives; brutally massacred in the bungled Mamasapano secret mission carried out on January 25 in the province of Maguindanao.

The walk, which was organized by the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association Inc., began shortly before 7a.m., from the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, down the northbound stretch of EDSA, to Claret School where an ecumenical was celebrated in honour of the Fallen 44.

While marching to the song “Ang Tatay Kong Pulis,“ participants carried Philippine flags, messages for their dearly departed, as well as photos of the commandos; now hailed as heroes.

Meanwhile, activist groups Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno and Bayan Muna congregated outside the Philippine Heart Center in a silent protest. Many of the rallyists bore placards and signs which called for President Aquino’s resignation for his involvement in the blundered secret operation.