Widow of SAF officer PSI Ryan Pabalinas, Erika and daughter, together with other family members attended the Mass of Remembering commemorating the first year anniversary of the Mamasapano tragedy, during the daily 12nn mass last Monday, January 25, at the UCSHJ.
After the Mass, officiated by Assistant to the President for Formation Fr. Willy Samson, SJ, the Ateneo community gathered at 3pm at the BC Quadrangle to pay their respects to the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members who lost their lives exactly a year ago in the ill-fated clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Erika’s husband included, and a number of civilians.
A solidarity prayer for hope and peace in Mindanao and an offering of 45 wreaths, representing each of the SAF member and one dedicated for the civilians, highlighted the Communal Gathering.
In a symbolic speech delivered at the BC Quadrangle where the statue of Ateneo patron St Ignatius of Loyola stands, Ateneo Center for Culture and Arts Director Marco Alfino “Kiko” Miranda expressed grief for the 44 SAF stating, “Nagluluksasi Ignacio sa araw naito. Nagluluksasi Ignacio para saapatnapu’tapat at mahigit pang mgabuhaynawalangpaninindigangninakawngmgatulisanisangtaonnaangnakakaraan.”The sword in the statue of St. Ignatius was covered in black to signify the community’s mourning for the 44, now known as Grupong Tagapagligtas.
Ateneo Peace Advocacy Officer Ruth Guerrero,in her closing remarks explained that, “these activities are our humble effort to remember the sacrifices of the heroic SAF 44, as well as the other victims especially the civilians.” She added that in the spirit of peace, “We also pray the victims from the opposite side for in the end we are brethren in the One God. We beg for the grace of mercy and compassion with one another, as we also pray for justice and clarity to what happened during those fateful hours of January 25, 2015.”
These Mamasapano commemorative events were spearheaded by the University Social Development team. The Ateneo community is enjoined to view the Mamasapano tragedy photo exhibit at the BC Lobby.
