Pictures and List of Names of the 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force’s officers

The 44 fallen heroes. They were sent to a mission of serving arrest warrants to two suspected terrorists- Malaysian Jemaah Islamiyah leader Zulkifli bin Hir, alyas Marwan and Filipino bomb maker Abdulbasit Usman. The resistance lead to the massacre of the police officers, which could be considered one of the worst and deadliest of this year.

Two of the 44 heroes had been laid to rest in Zamboanga City due to Islamic rites and the rest was flown to Villamor Air Base where family members waited painfully for their bodies. 

In contrast, this was the same place where a joyous celebration two weeks ago when Filipinos anticipated the arrival of Pope Francis. The airbase was filled with both loud wails and silent tears. One pregnant woman was even rushed to the hospital after passing out beside the coffin of her dead husband.

Family members, government officials and other notable guests mostly wore a black ribbon on their left arm. President Benigno Aquino III was absent during the said occurrence but Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte stated that the president was set to attend the necrological services on Friday. Other high ranking officials present were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, former President Fidel V. Ramos, Congresswoman Imelda Marcos, Senator Bongbong Marcos and Senator Nancy Binay.

Although some of the family members of the slain heroes appreciated the gesture of these officials, some expressed dismay and irk stating that they should not take advantage of the said incident for their own political goals.