PNPA Press Release Control No.: 2024-009
Authority: PMGEN SAMUEL C NACION, D, PNPA
Releaser: PLTCOL JONATHAN A ESTRADA, C, PIO
Silang, Cavite- “Valiant men with unparalleled devotion to God, country, and people: A blessing to a victorious nation.” Heroism is a matter of choice. As the sun rises brightly, today, after 9 years of heroism and sacrifices of our brave SAF 44, the Philippine National Police Academy hosted the National Remembrance for the Heroic Sacrifice of SAF 44, spearheaded by His Excellency FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR., President of the Republic of the Philippines, assisted by the Secretary of Interior and Local Government, ATTY. BENJAMIN C. ABALOS, JR. and Chief of the Philippine National Police, PGEN BENJAMIN C ACORDA JR., together with the Director of the Special Action Force, PMGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Director, PNPA, PMGEN SAMUEL C NACION. The event was graced by the presence of the former Directors of the Special Action Force, comrades of the SAF 44, and the families of our brave heroes.
A wreath-laying ceremony was conducted at the Special Action Force 44 Monument in Commemoration of their gallantry and was followed by a program proper to pay tribute to the SAF 44 held at the BGen Cicero Campos Grandstand, Camp General Mariano N Castañeda, Silang Cavite, on January 25, 2024.
In the Academy’s context, Wreath Laying is a monumental function that immortalizes great men, events, and places. This activity is usually given by visiting dignitaries, high-ranking government and police/military officials to pay tribute, homage, and respect to a particular place, person, or significant occasion and date that was of great importance in the history of the country.
With Presidential Proclamation No. 164, the nation honors and remembers the valiant Special Action Force Troopers and brings attention to the everyday sacrifices made by all servicemen who carry out their duties to uphold peace and order in the country. Their heroic deeds and precious sacrifices will always live in the hearts of the Filipinos as they have heroically fought until their very last breath to keep the flag of the nation waving, a true symbol of courage, gallantry, honor, and patriotism.
Among the heroes are the 6 alumni of PNPA, namely PMAJ RYAN B PABALINAS (PNPA Bagsay-Lahi Class of 2006), PMAJ JOHN GARRY A ERANA, PMAJ MAX JIM R TRIA, PMAJ GEDNAT G TABDI (all from PNPA Kaisang-Bisig Class of 2009), PMAJ CYRUS P ANNIBAN (PNPA Mabikas Class of 2010), and PCPT RENNIE L TAYRUS (PNPA Masaligan 2011). They have displayed the utmost dedication to duty and unyielding courage in defending the interests of the nation—a true mark of a PNPA Lakan.
In honor of their supreme sacrifice, courage, and love for our country, the 6 PNPA dormitory was named after the 6 PNPA Lakans, who will forever be remembered as gallant men who executed OPLAN EXODUS.
In the tribute message of Mrs. Raechel June M. Sumbilla, the wife of the late SPO1 John Lloyd Rebammonte Sumbilla, she underscored the dedication, bravery, commitment to duty, and unwavering love to our nation exhibited by our fallen heroes. She expressed, “It is the day for us, the wife, to remember the strength and resilience that have carried us through even the darkest of times. As wives, we have witnessed the firsthand sacrifices our husbands made for the greater good; we have seen their unwavering commitment to protecting our society and ensuring the safety of our fellow countrymen. Our husbands are not just brave men; they are also loving fathers and caring sons.”
Also, in the tribute message of PLTCOL RAYMUND A TRAIN, Oplan Exodus Operator, he emphasized the sacrifices of the SAF 44 and the living heroes of the Oplan Exodus. He paid tribute to their bravery, heroism, and patriotism, referring to them as his friends, comrades, and brothers in arms. He stated, “They are men and women who sacrifice their time, effort, and even their lives in the performance of their duties just to ensure your safety and normalcy. This is the Special Action Force.” In his closing message, he urged the cadets and every Filipino, stating, “Let the bravery of these men inspire us, let their heroism unite us in strength and purpose, and let their sacrifice call for actions to face the day’s challenges with a united spirit to build a nation founded on unity and unwavering patriotism for a better and progressive Philippines.”
In the keynote address delivered by the President of the Republic of the Philippines, FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR., he emphasized the principles of duty, love of country, and the heroism displayed by gallant men. “Nine years ago, 44 brave men died without seeing the dawn of peace bloom on the land their blood made hallowed. Today, we remember their heroism and honor the sacrifices that they have made. It is a debt that we will never be able to fully pay for, no matter how we try to prove that they have not died in vain. It remains an obligation that we will never extinguish, no matter how often we give meaning to their valor.” Additionally, he conveyed his message “In their last hours in that place of honor, we can draw many important lessons, such as to put nation before self, to display courage under fire, to resolve to force ahead, and to never give up.”