Supporters walk on 44th day after death of #TheBrave44

CEBU, Philippines- Up to 600 participants joined the unity run in Cebu to commemorate the 44th day since the death of the 44 Special Action Force members in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

 Members of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Alumni, PNP personnel, their families and friends, students, bikers, civilian volunteers and other supporters joined the five-kilometer unity fun run.

 Participants gathered at Camp Sergio Osmeña around 4:30 a.m. and started running at 5 a.m., trailing the Sinulog route – the Fuente Osmeña, General Maxilom Avenue, then down to the New Imus Road.

 Superintendent Rodolfo Albotra, PNPA Alumni – Region 7 President and Provincial Intelligence Branch chief, said the run was a voluntary show of sympathy to their brothers in arms who perished in the carnage, as well as to the families who continue to mourn.

He said the PNP personnel in Central Visayas have full trust and confidence in their organization and to those investigating the incident.

“We hope the truth will come out in the open,” Albotra said.

 The results of the Board of Inquiry’s investigation are expected to be submitted to PNP Officer-in-Charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina today.

 Albotra personally hoped that the heroism, sacrifice and death of the 44 PNP SAF members will not go in vain but instead serve as an inspiration to the rest of the PNP members to do better in their profession.

“It should not discourage us but motivate us do more in our work. We have to think nga naa’y laing members sa PNP sa ubang parte sa nasod nga nag-atubang og lisod nga operation. Kami diri sa laing lugar have to exert more effort in doing our jobs,” he said.

 In an earlier interview, Senior Superintendent Conrad Capa, deputy director of the Police Regional Office-7 and officer in charge of the Cebu City Police Office, expressed hope that the findings of the investigation will lead to the identities of those who were behind the unfortunate encounter. He said he also hopes that the government will hold these people accountable.

“Kung may kasalanan, dapat parusahan. That’s the essence of justice. Someone has to pay,” Capa said.

 Capa spent the first four years of his career as a SAF member.  He joined the group in 1985, two years after its inception, and left in 1989.  (FREEMAN)