Press Release
August 30, 2015

Nancy bill seeks to commemorate January 25 as SAF44 Day

Senator Nancy Binay filed a bill declaring January 25 as a special working holiday to commemorate the bravery, heroism and sacrifice of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

"The efforts of the SAF44 will always be remembered and is worthy of commemoration," Sen. Binay said in Senate Bill 2916, or "An act declaring January 25 of every year as a special working holiday throughout the country to commemorate the heroism and sacrifice of the fallen 44 of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force."

The PNP - SAF carried out a law enforcement operation last January 25 to serve the arrest warrant against wanted terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Abdul Basit Usman.

A fierce gunbattle which lasted for hours left 44 members of the PNP's elite unit dead as well as Marwan. Usman was later killed in another operation.

"These 44 heroes sacrificed their lives with only one thing in mind: to fulfil their mandate to enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety and internal security," Binay said.

"Not only did they accomplish the mission, they made the PNP-SAF proud and served as an inspiration for cadets and for other training schools and will further promote patriotism and nationalism in the country," she added.

If approved, both the public and the private sectors are encouraged to devote time and effort to participate in the celebration of the event.

"All heads of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government owned and controlled corporations as well as local government units, and employers in the private sector shall encourage and afford sufficient time and participate in any activity conducted in their respective localities to celebrate such a commemoration," Section 2 of the bill said.

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