Davao Police Honors SAF 44 on 11th Anniversary of Mamasapano Tragedy
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) conducted a solemn tribute ceremony on Sunday, January 25, 2026, commemorating the 11th anniversary of the tragic Mamasapano clash that claimed the lives of 44 elite Special Action Force (SAF) commandos. The event marked one of the darkest chapters in Philippine police history, honoring the ultimate sacrifice made during a counterterrorism mission in Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.
Ceremony of Remembrance and Reflection
Held at the DCPO Headquarters, the commemoration was led by acting city director Colonel Mannan Muarip, who gathered officers and personnel to honor the fallen heroes. The ceremony served as both a remembrance of the tragic loss and a reaffirmation of the police force's commitment to public service and national security.
One of the most poignant moments came from Police Executive Master Sergeant Arnil L. Ruiz, a survivor of the deadly encounter, who delivered an emotional tribute to his fallen comrades. "I stand here to honor my fallen comrades whose courage and sacrifice will forever be etched in our nation's history," Ruiz declared during the ceremony. "They gave their lives not for recognition, but for the peace and security of our people. Their heroism reminds us that true service means being ready to give everything — even life itself."
The Legacy of Sacrifice
Colonel Muarip emphasized how the legacy of the SAF 44 continues to influence current police values and dedication. "Their courage beyond measure continues to inspire every police officer to uphold discipline, integrity, and dedication in protecting our people," Muarip stated. "May their legacy remind us that true heroism is defined by selfless devotion to duty and country."
The annual commemoration, according to Muarip, serves multiple purposes:
- Honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by the 44 SAF commandos
- Reaffirming the police force's commitment to professionalism
- Strengthening dedication to community protection
- Inspiring current and future officers to uphold the highest standards of service
Historical Context: The Mamasapano Clash
The tragic events unfolded during Operation Exodus, a Philippine National Police–Special Action Force mission in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, then part of Maguindanao province. The operation successfully neutralized Malaysian terrorist and bomb-maker Zulkifli Abdhir, known as Marwan, who was on the FBI's most wanted list. However, the mission turned catastrophic when SAF commandos encountered fierce resistance from armed groups.
The aftermath of the clash had significant national implications:
- It represented one of the deadliest single-day losses in Philippine police history
- The incident prompted immediate government-brokered ceasefire negotiations
- It led to a temporary halt in the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law
- The tragedy affected ongoing peace processes with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
- It resulted in a major rescue operation by the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Despite achieving their primary objective of eliminating a high-value terrorist target, the operation resulted in the deaths of 44 elite police officers, along with additional casualties among combatants and civilians. The Mamasapano clash remains a somber reminder of the risks law enforcement personnel face in protecting national security and maintaining peace in conflict-affected regions.
The Davao City Police Office's annual commemoration ensures that the sacrifice of the SAF 44 continues to be remembered and honored, serving as both a tribute to fallen heroes and a powerful reminder of the ongoing commitment required in law enforcement service.
