Vice President Sara Duterte led national tributes on January 25, 2026 honoring the courage and legacy of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (SAF 44) who died in the 2015 Mamasapano clash, calling them “modern-day heroes” whose service must continue to inspire the nation.
In her message marking the National Day of Remembrance for the SAF 44, Duterte recognized the “katapangan at dedikasyon” of the fallen commandos, emphasizing that their sacrifice reflects deep commitment to peace and security. She stressed that honoring their legacy means upholding the values they stood for and supporting their families who continue to bear the weight of loss.
“Sila ay mga bayani,” the Vice President said in her remarks, urging Filipinos to remember the bravery and service of each member of the SAF 44 and to carry forward their example of dedication to country.
The SAF 44 were killed on January 25, 2015, during Oplan Exodus, an operation aimed at apprehending international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” and Filipino terrorist Abdul Basit Usman in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The mission devolved into a deadly firefight with armed groups, resulting in one of the highest single-mission casualties of government forces in peace-time history.
The annual National Day of Remembrance was declared in 2017 to ensure that the heroism and sacrifices of the SAF 44 are formally observed nationwide.
Across the Philippines, police units and local communities held memorial activities under the theme “In Valor We Remember”, featuring wreath-laying ceremonies and solemn observances that reaffirm collective gratitude for the fallen commandos’ service and sacrifice.
