The saga of the Cordilleran 14, within the larger narrative of the Special Action Force (SAF) 44, is a poignant chapter in Philippine history. The events surrounding the "Mamasapano Clash" on January 25, 2015, in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, marked a solemn journey in the relentless pursuit of justice and national security.
Operation Exodus: A Pursuit of Justice
"Oplan Exodus," initially misattributed as "Oplan Wolverine" by the local media, and later corrected, unfolded as a pivotal mission undertaken by 392 elite cops, now famously known as the SAF 44, with the primary objective of apprehending two notorious terrorists-Malaysian bomb-maker Zulkifli bin Hir, alias "Marwan," and Abdulbasit Usman, associated with Jemaah Islamiyah. Marwan's dark legacy included training individuals in urban terrorism and engineering improvised explosive devices responsible for devastating bomb attacks, particularly in Mindanao.
Cordilleran Valor: A Call to Defend
The Cordilleran members of the SAF 44, now known as the Cordilleran 14, exemplified a profound commitment to defending their land and freedom. In a moving eulogy during the necrological service organized by the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO-Cor) at Camp Bado Dangwa in La Trinidad, Benguet, Police Superintendent Jonathan Calixto emphasized the inherent bravery ingrained in the Igorots' blood. Calixto fervently called for justice, asserting that the tragedy should serve as a poignant reminder, preventing its recurrence.
"It runs in the blood of Igorots to defend our land and freedom. We will fight until the last breath and die with honor in the name of service... This tragedy should not happen again," Police Superintendent Jonathan Calixto said.
Remembering the Fallen Heroes: The Cordilleran 14
The list of fallen Cordilleran heroes stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of these gallant individuals. Each name carries the weight of a community, representing towns such as Kabayan and La Trinidad in Benguet, Bontoc and Sadanga in Mountain Province, and Baguio City, among others. The images of these heroes, displayed with utmost respect, serve to personalize their sacrifice, ensuring that their stories resonate deeply with every Filipino.
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PO2 Peterson Indongsan Carap of Kabayan, Benguet
PO2 Peterson Indongsan Carap Airene Lomas-i -
PO1 Gringo Charag Cayang-o of Sadanga, Mountain Province
PO1 Gringo Charag Cayang-o Airene Lomas-i -
PO1 Angel Chocowen Kodiamat of Bontoc, Mountain Province
PO1 Angel Chocowen Kodiamat Airene Lomas-i -
PO2 Jerry Kayob of La Trinidad, Benguet
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PO2 Noble Sungay Kiangan of Mankayan, Benguet
PO2 Noble Sungay Kiangan Airene Lomas-i -
PO3 Noel Onangey Golocan of Mankayan, Benguet, and Sagada, Mountain Province
PO3 Noel Onangey Golocan Airene Lomas-i -
PO2 Walner Faustino Danao of Irisan, Baguio City
PO2 Walner Faustino Danao Airene Lomas-i -
PSINP Gednat Garambas Tabdi of La Trinidad, Benguet
PSINP Gednat Garambas Tabdi Airene Lomas-i -
PSINP Cyrus Paleyan Anniban of Balbalan, Kalinga
PSINP Cyrus Paleyan Anniban Airene Lomas-i -
PO3 Robert Domollog Allaga of Banaue, Ifugao
PO3 Robert Domollog Allaga Airene Lomas-i -
PO2 Franklin Cadap Danao of Tinoc, Ifugao
PO2 Franklin Cadap Danao Airene Lomas-i -
PO2 Nicky De Castro Nacino Jr. of Baguio City and Aurora Province
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PO1 Russel Bawaan Bilog of Tabuk City, Kalinga, and Sagada, Mountain Province
PO1 Russel Bawaan Bilog Airene Lomas-i -
P02 Joel Bumidang Dulnuan
P02 Joel Bumidang Dulnuan Airene Lomas-i
A National Day of Remembrance
To ensure that the sacrifices of the SAF 44, especially the Cordilleran 14, are never forgotten, January 25th of each year is solemnly observed as the "National Day of Remembrance." This annual occasion serves as a collective moment for the nation to reflect on the gallantry displayed by these fallen heroes.
Honoring the Legacy
In honoring the legacy of the Cordilleran 14, their indomitable spirit becomes a symbol of unwavering commitment and sacrifice. Their stories, intertwined with the fabric of the nation, serve as an everlasting inspiration for generations to come. The "National Day of Remembrance" stands as a testament to the enduring impact of their heroism, ensuring that their sacrifices echo through the corridors of time.
