PNP-SAF trooper had second thoughts, sister says

Raymon Dullana

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PNP-SAF trooper had second thoughts, sister says
The sister of Rodrigo Acob recalls, he was hesitant to report back for duty but that he changed his mind because 'he is really brave'

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – P03 Rodrigo Acob, one of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troops killed in Maguindanao on January 25, wished he did not have to report for duty, his sister Leonor Apada said.

In a phone interview, Apada said her brother Rodrigo told them he was hesitant to return because they would be having “risky” operations in hot areas in Mindanao.

“Bago siya umalis, sinabihan namin na mag-iingat siya. Tapos ang sabi sa akin, di na yata ako babalik Ate, kasi dahil nga raw may matinding operation. Pero nagbago rin po ang isip niya kasi matapang po talaga yan,” Apada said. (Before he left, we told him to take care of himself. Then he said he was hesitant to go back because they would be having a serious operation. But he changed his mind because he is really brave.)

COURAGE. Despite having second thoughts about reporting for duty, PO3 Rodrigo Acob follows orders and dies in the PNP-SAF operation.

34-year-old Acob left Cagayan Valley on January 4 – after he celebrated the holidays with his family. He has a wife and two kids – a 13-year-old and a 3-year-old.

Around 6:30 in the morning of Saturday, January 31, his remains arrived at their home in Aurora, Isabela, according to Alex de los Santos, information officer of PNP Cagayan Valley Region. There was no excitement to welcome him as before. Instead, there was only grief.

Message to killers, President

Angered, Acob’s family could only wish that those who killed him suffer the same fate.

“Sana ganun din ang pagkamatay nila para maramdaman din nila kung gaano kasakit,” Leonor said, her voice breaking. (May they die in the same way so they can feel the same pain.)

Apada also had a message for President Benigno Aquino III.

“Sana hindi lang siya hanggang salita, umaksiyon sana siya para makamit ang hustisya. Kasi siya pa yung nagpapakumbaba sa mga pumatay,” she said. (I hope he goes beyond words and acts to obtain justice. He humbled himself before the killers.)

“Kung ano yung gusto nila, na ihiwalay ang Mindanao, di ihiwalay na kaysa ang dami pang nadadamay,” Apada said. (If they want Mindanao be separated, so be it instead of losing more lives.)

She was referring to the ongoing peace process and the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which will pave the way for the creation of a new autonomous government in Mindanao. Tagged as a priority of the Aquino administration, leaders in Congress are aiming for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro bill by March 2015. Whether this will stay on track or be delayed as a result of the Mamasapano bloodbath remains to be seen.

Acob’s remains will be laid to rest next Saturday, February 7.

 SECOND THOUGHTS. P03 Rodrigo Acob is one of the PNP-SAF fatalities in the Mamasapano clash on January 25. PNP-Aurora, Isabela

6 from the region

P03 Andres Duque in the same town in Isabela also arrived in his home at around 6:22 in the morning.

Duque and Acob were among the 6 police officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Cagayan Valley region, who were killed in the SAF- Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) clash in Maguindanao.

The other 4 remains are expected to arrive this Saturday.

According to PNP Cagayan Valley regional director and Police Chief Superintendent Miguel De Mayo Laurel, their fallen comrades will be given arrival honors as they land in their hometowns.

The 6 are as follows:

1.       P03 Rodrigo Acob – Aurora, Isabela
2.       P03 Andres Duque Jr – Aurora, Isabela
3.       P02 Richelle Baluga – Piat, Cagayan
4.       P02 Joel Dulnuan – Villaverde, Nueva Viscaya
5.       P01 Loreto Capindingan – San Mateo, Isabela
6.       P01 Oliebeth Viernes – Cataggaman, Tuguegarao City

No necrological rites will be held for the 6 SAF troopers, the PNP-Region II said. – Rappler.com

 

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