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SAF 44, fallen cops honored

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Acting Nueva Ecija police director Col. Jess Mendez leads offering
tribute to SAF 44. Photo by Armand Galang


 

CABANATUAN CITY – Four police personnel who died in action, including those
who were infected and died of the coronavirus disease while serving as
frontliners, were conferred awards as the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office
honored the so-called SAF 44 at the provincial headquarters here on Tuesday.

Col. Jess Mendez, acting Nueva Ecija police director, led the recognition of SPO1
Marlon Francisco, intelligence operative of Santa Municipal police station; SPO1
Gregorio Jacinto Jr., supply and range officer of the provincial public safety
company; SSg Roy Empaynado, frontliner of Peñaranda police station; and MSg
Baltazar Sacro, frontliner of Jaen police station.

Francisco died when hit by bullet during the successful rescue of a hostage victim
on June 6, 2017 while Jacinto was killed in an encounter in an anti-illegal drugs
operation that resulted to the arrest of a “most wanted person” on Dec. 14, 2014.

Both serving as frontliners in the government’s efforts against Covid-19,
Empaynado and Sacro succumbed to the virus on May 14, 2021 and Jan. 14, 2022,
respectively.

Widows of local cops who died in battling criminals and in serving as frontliners
against Covid-19 light candles in honor of SAF 44. Photo by Armand Galang

Their respective widows received the certificates of recognition as they joined
Mendez in offering wreaths for the fallen members of Special Action Forces who
died in battle with Bansamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Mamasapano,
Maguindanao on Jan. 25, 2015.

The government troopers launched the attack to get Marwan, one of the
world’s most wanted terrorists.

“It is but fitting to pay tribute to them, including our comrades in NEPPO who
offered their lives as they battle against criminality and the dreadful Covid-19
disease,” said Mendez.

Mendez added that while the battle against criminality and the virus continues,
the police is up in a tough job of securing an honest and peaceful local and
national elections in May.

“The greater challenges ahead of us reminds us to be alert, dedicated and
truthful,” he added.

 

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