IN PHOTOS: Arrival honors for fallen SAF commandos

MANILA, Philippines — The caskets carrying the remains of 42 of the 44 slain Philippine National Police Special Action Force commandos were flown in by C-130 planes, arriving at the Villamor Air Base on Thursday morning.

The elite policemen died Sunday in the hands of heavily armed rebels from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in an operation targeting two dangerous terrorists in Mamasapono, Maguindanao, south of the country.

[Slideshow will load below]

The huge body count sparked outrage and placed the government in a dilemma. The police leadership ordered an investigation into the fighting but praised the slain commandos as "fallen heroes" to be accorded full military honors and combat medals.

FULL STORY: Remains of SAF 'heroes' arrive at Villamor Air Base

Flags were flown at half-staff in police and military camps as the country mourned. - AP