Ten years have passed since that fateful day in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, but the memory of July Mejia’s father remains as vivid as ever in her heart.
On January 25, 2015, during the tragic Oplan Exodus operation, PO3 Ephraim Mejia was one of the 44 valiant members of the Special Action Force (SAF) who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting to protect our nation from terrorism.
In the years since his passing, she has often wondered what her life would have been like if he were still here. She imagines his warm smile, his reassuring voice, and the way he would have guided her through life’s challenges. He may no longer be with them, but his spirit and the lessons he imparted continue to guide her every day.
On the National Day of Remembrance of the Heroic Sacrifice of the SAF 44, she honored her father through this heartfelt letter:
𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑫𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒚 𝑬𝒑𝒉𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒎,
Even though you are no longer here, please know that your gallantry and heroism continue to inspire me. I am grateful for the time we had together, however brief. You are my hero, my inspiration, and my guiding light. I celebrate the life you lived and the wonderful things you left in our hearts.
I was only two years old when you died, but during those two years, you became my superhero, guardian, and role model. Even though time was limited, your love was immeasurable.
As I grow older, I realize that you were not just my hero; you were a hero to many. You wore your uniform and carried with you a sense of duty and honor that left a lasting impression on the hearts of our family, your friends, and even strangers. You sacrificed time with our family, missed birthdays and holidays to fulfill your responsibility to safeguard our country. You even gave the greatest sacrifice of all: your life.
Today, I remember not just the soldier who fought courageously on the battlefield, but also the father who loved unconditionally and the hero who believed in something greater than himself. Though I miss you every day, I take comfort in knowing that your spirit is constantly with me, guiding mom and me in this journey called life.
Dad, you are a valiant man with unparalleled devotion to God, country, and people. You are a true blessing to a victorious nation.
Thank you for being my hero, then and always.
𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍,
𝑱𝒖𝒍𝒚
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