Remains of SAF 'heroes' arrive at Villamor Air Base

MANILA, Philippines — The remains of the fallen members of the Philippine National Police-Special Actions Force (PNP-SAF) arrived at the Villamor Air Base on Thursday morning.

Philippine Air Force C130 planes carried the bodies of 42 police commandos. Two of the slain SAF officers were already buried.

A total of 44 police commandos were killed during an armed encounter between the SAF, Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters at Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Sunday.

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The remains of the slain policemen will be brought to the multi-purpose gymnasium at Camp Bagong Diwa after the arrival honors.

In a televised address on Wednesday night, President Benigno Aquino III hailed the SAF members "fallen heroes" and urged the MILF to identify those who were involved in the killing to show sincerity in the peace process.

Aquino declared Friday a national day of mourning for the fallen troops.