Mayor Alice, along with the Local Government Unit (LGU) and Philippine National Police (PNP), and other government agencies gave honor to PO3 Ephraim Mejia as the entire country commemorated the 8th death anniversary of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers who died in Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.
The tribute ceremony was led by Mayor Alicia L. Primicias-Enriquez, Provincial Director of Pangasinan Police Provincial Office, PCol Jeff E. Fanged, and OIC Chief of Police PCapt George Banayos at the municipal grounds. The families and loved ones of PO3 Mejia were also present during the ceremony.
Said ceremony was conducted to honor the act of heroism and gallantry of PO3 Mejia, one of the fallen 44 elite commandos of the PNP Special Action Force who died in the Mamasapano-Maguindanao Police Operations purposely to neutralize the Malaysian terrorist known as “Marwan” and other high-ranking members of the BIFF. Wreath Laying were accorded as a tribute to the fallen heroes.
“We are gathered here today to remember the forty-four (44) SAF commandos who sacrificed for this country and to sympathize and thank the families of these heroes. To the heroic mother of PO3 Mejia, Mrs. Helen G. Mejia; to his wife, Mrs. Miya V. Mejia; and to their unica hija, July, we will never forget PO3 Mejia and we will continue to recognize him as a great hero of our town,” said Mayor Alice.
“Putting the lives at risk in order to protect freedom is a selfless act of valor for it is done without expecting any favor in return. Their death is a strong manifestation that our police officers are always ready to carry out their mission despite the odds and difficulties along the way,” she added.
The commemoration was based on President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation No. 164 declaring every 25th of January as National Day of Remembrance for the SAF 44.
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