FULL TEXT: Widow's eulogy for fallen SAF men

Erica Pabalinas, the widow of Senior Inspector Ryan Pabalinas, delivered the following speech in the presence of President Benigno Aquino III to honor her late husband and the 43 other police commandos who died Sunday in the hands of Moro rebels in an anti-terror operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

To our president, President Noynoy Aquino [III], and to all police officers, to my fellow families who are grieving right now as we are, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

I am very much unsure of what I am feeling right now. Should I be sad that I lost my husband? Or I should feel happy and proud that he fought to his last breath not only for peace in Mindanao but for the entire nation?

My husband gave his life to claim peace. He placed service to the people before anything else.

I remember when he left the house, naglalambing ako sa kanya. Sabi ko, "Daddy 'wag ka na lang po sumama, dahil hindi ka pa okay."

FULL TEXT: Aquino's eulogy for fallen SAF troopers

Then he replied, "Mommy, ayan ka na naman, hindi mo na naman naintindihan."

Then our little girl also said to him, "Daddy, 'wag ka na lang umalis kasi gabi na. Baka kunin ka lang po ng mga bad guys." Despite [of this], Ryan left.

It is a clear manifestation that my husband has put duty first before family, and I understand. Slowly, I accept that my husband can't be with us anymore. Consoling myself that he died a hero.

It is painful, though. All I ask right now is justice. Not only for my husband, [who] was brutally killed, but for everyone who fought and fell.

Let us not put into our minds that my husband and his men pursued the operations because of the tag price on ... the heads of the lawless elements. Because if just for that we could have been richer. Because I know for a fact that my husband has been a lot through [in] the same situation.

For the grieving wives, just like me, let us be strong for our children because behind every brave SAF trooper is a strong wife. Behind every brave SAF trooper is a strong wife! To our president, we seek for your help to attain justice. Please, sir president, please help us.