PH celebrities mourn fallen PNP SAF officers

MANILA, Philippines – Local celebrities paid their respects to the 44 elite soldiers who died fighting in Maguindanao on Sunday, January 25. (READ: What now after the Maguindanao clash?)

President Benigno Aquino III declared Friday, January 30 a National Day of Mourning. Actresses Kim Chiu, Judy Ann Santos, and Kris Aquino were among those who shared their messages. (READ: Mamasapano: Sleepy town roused by SAF-MILF clash)

Miss Universe-Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa, who recently returned from her Miss Universe 2014 stint in Miami, extended her condolences to the families of those who died in battle. (READ: Wife of PNP SAF hero to Aquino: ‘Please help us’)

 

“I know how hard it is [to lose loved ones], so I just wanted to pray for them,” she said.

“Kris TV Family just came from Manaoag & had a Mass celebrated by my friend Fr. Jerry Manlangit. I went to pray my thanksgiving because it has been my practice to go before my birthday to thank God for the year that was & the year ahead. We all fervently prayed a special intention for our country & God’s healing & Mama Mary’s comforting embrace of the loved ones, families, co-workers & friends left behind by the 44 fallen SAF officers,” she wrote. (READ: 2 senators withdraw as authors of Bangsamoro law)

Newlywed couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera also expressed their sympathy for the fallen soldiers. Dingdong is also a reservist for the Philippine Marine Corps.

“Nakikiramay po kami sa lahat ng nawalan ng mahal sa buhay. (We condole with all those who lost love ones.) #PrayforthesoulsofourHEROES 
I mourn with the Filipino People for the fall of our SAF personnel. 

There is no pain as excruciating as what the loved ones of our fallen Special Action Forces (SAF) in Maguindanao are now experiencing, especially when the new year just ushered in – a time when we all try to be doubly hopeful that things will be better in the days to come. 

What could have been a successful campaign against one of Southeast Asia’s most dreaded terrorists, Malaysian national Zulkifli Bin Hir, ended up as a botched military operation that terminated the lives of forty-four SAF members of the Philippine NationalPolice, two of them our Muslim brothers themselves.

Indeed, these SAF personnel rightfully deserve to be called heroes…but only TRUTH and JUSTICE can provide eternal peace to their souls and heal the wounds inflicted upon us, especially to their families. 

As a reservist of the Philippine Marine Corps, I throw my firm salute to our fallen comrades in uniform, just as we mourn today for all these loss in the town of Mamasapano. 
Let peace reign even when we are all in pain. -Dong Dantes,” read the caption on Instagram.

Actress Judy Ann Santos posted two photos on her Instagram account.

 

“Just saying… Obama knows his priorities…” she wrote.

“Rest in peace our heroes…” she wrote.

Former Miss World 2013 Megan Young also delivered this message.

“Praying for the 44 fallen heroes and their loved ones.. You will always be remembered and honored. Bless your brave souls. #NationalDayOfMourning,”

Actress Ruffa Gutierrez asked to say a prayer for the soldiers.

Let’s say a prayer for our #Fallen44 who risked their lives to fight for our country. Saludo ang buong bayan sa inyo! #NationalDayofMourning #Respect#Gratitude

Actor Richard Gomez posted a statement on his Instagram account, saying:

“A very sad day for the police force. So what do we do with the enemy of the state? Forget those peace talks nothing’s ever gonna change,” he said.

Actress Kim Chiu also had this to say.

“#nationaldayofMourning #fallen44 #PNP #SAF #Philippines,” she wrote.

 

Meanwhile, TV host Grace Lee spoke on the President’s absence from the arrival honors of the soldiers on Thursday, January 30. Grace reacted to the Twitter post of singer Leah Navarro:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“This came up in my feed… There is only one head of the state. Only one commander in chief! You CANNOT compare the value of his presence to the presence of any ordinary citizen then use it against them when they voice out their frustration and anger!!” Grace wrote.

 

Grace, who is with TV5 was previously linked to PNoy in 2012. In an interview with Vice Ganda last January 4 on the show Gandang Gabi Vice, PNoy admitted that Grace became his girlfriend for some time. 

 

President Noynoy Aquino declared Friday, January 30, as a National Day of Mourning for the fallen 44 Special Action Force officers. – Rappler.com