Every Filipinos are aware about the "Mamasapano Encounter" the occurred in Mindanao. This was the bloody encounter of a group of policemen where according to the news reports, a total of 49 of these cops were killed. So to honor their deaths, President Benigno Aquino III had officially declared on Wednesday that the 30th of January (Friday) is a "National Day of Mourning".
The declaration of PNoy's special national day can be confirmed at the "Proclamation No. 954 s. 2015". Take note, there is no announcement of work or class suspension. Thus, it means that regular workers resumes on their work and students have classes.
According to the President, he was greatly saddened from the deaths of the policemen who had to sacrifice their lives to accomplish their mission. So without a doubt, they are true heroes. Thus, he declared the National Day of Mourning which symbolizes the sorrow and empathy of our nation.
On January 30, 2015, all public and military institution were instructed to lower the Philippine flag to "half-mast". This is to honor the death of the PNP-SAF (Philippine National Police Special Action Force) that fell during their encounter in Maguindanao.
Aquino's Statement about Marwan and Usman
President Benigno Aquino III claimed that Marwan (also known as "Zulkifli bin Hir", the leader of Jemaah Islamiyah) and Usman are not just any common criminals around. They are terrorists with several outstanding warrants for their arrest. There are 8 outstanding warrants against Usman while 2 for Marwan.
The operation to capture Marwan, Usman and other terrorists had actually started long ago. In fact, the AFP, PNP and NBI has already undertaken multiple operations in searching for those terrorists until the PNP-SAF made a surprising discovery.
What really bothers most political leaders and the military is that, why did the policemen didn't informed them about their drastic action?
PNoy explained that they were aware about their responsibilities. They don't need any necessary approval from him just to commence on their operations. These group of brave policemen immediately took action to take down those terrorists. That's what they called, "Initiative".
The President also emphasized the statement found in Article II, Section 4 of the Philippine Constitution which says, "The primary duty of government is to serve and protect the people". It was due to this reason why the police forces took immediate action when they discovered the precise location of Marwan and Usman.
PNP-SAF Encounter with Marwan and Usman
In the 25th of January (Sunday), the PNP-SAF went out for a mission in the early morning which was around 4:00 AM. According to some sources, they got an intelligence report about the exact whereabouts of Marwan and Usman. They were actually terrorists included in the top most wanted lists of criminals world-wide.
The unsuspecting terrorists were surprised by the police forces when they noticed them approaching their hide-outs. Thus, gun-shots took place between the two sides. The PNP-SAF consisting of 50 men first attacked Marwan's house and was allegedly killed. However, Usman was able to escape and organized his troops for a counter-attack.
Since Usman was nowhere to be found, the PNP-SAF decided to withdraw and rendezvous with their companions who were securing their exit route from the area. Unfortunately, the bloody encounter occurred when the police forces were about to leave the site.
Necrological Service
The Necrological Service was held at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig (10:00 AM) which was led by President Benigno S. Aquino III. And in honor for their bravery, he awarded them the "Medalya ng Katapangan" or "PNP Medal of Bravery" by placing it on top of their coffins.
After the President's "Eulogy", he spent more than 12 hours along with the families of the fallen heroes before leaving the venue past midnight.
Moreover, PNoy has called the attention of all Filipinos not to result into some drastic measures which may cause and stir more conflicts in the country. Instead, he urged everyone to aim for "Peace" which ensures the ultimate sacrifice of the fallen PNP-SAF members that it will not go to waste. In short, those policemen fought and died in order to restore or maintain peace in our country.
The declaration of PNoy's special national day can be confirmed at the "Proclamation No. 954 s. 2015". Take note, there is no announcement of work or class suspension. Thus, it means that regular workers resumes on their work and students have classes.
According to the President, he was greatly saddened from the deaths of the policemen who had to sacrifice their lives to accomplish their mission. So without a doubt, they are true heroes. Thus, he declared the National Day of Mourning which symbolizes the sorrow and empathy of our nation.
On January 30, 2015, all public and military institution were instructed to lower the Philippine flag to "half-mast". This is to honor the death of the PNP-SAF (Philippine National Police Special Action Force) that fell during their encounter in Maguindanao.
Aquino's Statement about Marwan and Usman
President Benigno Aquino III claimed that Marwan (also known as "Zulkifli bin Hir", the leader of Jemaah Islamiyah) and Usman are not just any common criminals around. They are terrorists with several outstanding warrants for their arrest. There are 8 outstanding warrants against Usman while 2 for Marwan.
The operation to capture Marwan, Usman and other terrorists had actually started long ago. In fact, the AFP, PNP and NBI has already undertaken multiple operations in searching for those terrorists until the PNP-SAF made a surprising discovery.
What really bothers most political leaders and the military is that, why did the policemen didn't informed them about their drastic action?
PNoy explained that they were aware about their responsibilities. They don't need any necessary approval from him just to commence on their operations. These group of brave policemen immediately took action to take down those terrorists. That's what they called, "Initiative".
The President also emphasized the statement found in Article II, Section 4 of the Philippine Constitution which says, "The primary duty of government is to serve and protect the people". It was due to this reason why the police forces took immediate action when they discovered the precise location of Marwan and Usman.
PNP-SAF Encounter with Marwan and Usman
In the 25th of January (Sunday), the PNP-SAF went out for a mission in the early morning which was around 4:00 AM. According to some sources, they got an intelligence report about the exact whereabouts of Marwan and Usman. They were actually terrorists included in the top most wanted lists of criminals world-wide.
The unsuspecting terrorists were surprised by the police forces when they noticed them approaching their hide-outs. Thus, gun-shots took place between the two sides. The PNP-SAF consisting of 50 men first attacked Marwan's house and was allegedly killed. However, Usman was able to escape and organized his troops for a counter-attack.
Since Usman was nowhere to be found, the PNP-SAF decided to withdraw and rendezvous with their companions who were securing their exit route from the area. Unfortunately, the bloody encounter occurred when the police forces were about to leave the site.
Necrological Service
The Necrological Service was held at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig (10:00 AM) which was led by President Benigno S. Aquino III. And in honor for their bravery, he awarded them the "Medalya ng Katapangan" or "PNP Medal of Bravery" by placing it on top of their coffins.
After the President's "Eulogy", he spent more than 12 hours along with the families of the fallen heroes before leaving the venue past midnight.
Moreover, PNoy has called the attention of all Filipinos not to result into some drastic measures which may cause and stir more conflicts in the country. Instead, he urged everyone to aim for "Peace" which ensures the ultimate sacrifice of the fallen PNP-SAF members that it will not go to waste. In short, those policemen fought and died in order to restore or maintain peace in our country.
