Several Facebook users are echoing claims that there are no museums or walls of honor to memorialize the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who died during the Mamapasano clash on Jan. 25, 2015. This is false.
There are several monuments and memorials around the country to remember the heroism and sacrifice of the SAF 44.
The false claims began circulating after the launch of the Lakbay Museo ng Paghilom in the Senate in Pasay City, an initiative to honor victims of extrajudicial killings during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs campaign. On Jan. 28, one Facebook user posted:
“Hinayupak! SAF 44 WALANG MUSEUM OR WALL OF HONOR – ANG MGA ADDICT AT DRUG DEALERS MERON?! #bulokmohontivirus”
(DAMN IT! SAF 44 DOESN’T HAVE A MUSEUM OR WALL OF HONOR – ADDICTS AND DRUG DEALERS DO?! #bulokmohontivirus”)
Other users have shared similar spurious claims on the same platform and drew high engagement.
A quick Google search shows that memorials honoring SAF 44 exist in various parts of the country.
The SAF 44 Memorial featuring the “Pagpupugay” sculpture, Special Action Force Museum, and Black Beret Monument, can be found in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.
Another 18-foot monument bearing engraved names and faces of SAF 44 was built in the PNP Academy in Silang, Cavite. Photos of the troopers are likewise displayed at the PNP Museum in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
A memorial was also unveiled in Camp John Hay in Baguio City on Jan. 23, 2020 to honor the 14 officers from the Cordilleras among the SAF 44.
Last Jan. 25, the country marked the 11th anniversary of the Mamasapano massacre in Maguindanao where 44 troopers were killed in a clash with armed groups in southern Philippines. A wreath-laying ceremony, attended by the families and dependents of the SAF 44 and key PNP officials, was held in Quezon City.
As of writing, the incorrect post published by FB user Cathy Binag had received 33,000 reactions, 3,700 comments, and 3,500 shares. Other copies shared by user Ella Max and Jessica Jhing collectively garnered 51,146 reactions, 3,644 comments, and 6,723 shares.
