Celebs weigh in on SAF 44

The SAF 44 tragedy is too gruesome for words. After the euphoria brought about by Pope Francis’ visit, we are now in a state of mourning for the “Fallen 44” Special Action Force policemen who were killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Talk about extremes.

No question must be left unanswered and no promise, left unfulfilled, so that our fallen heroes can rest in peace. It is not enough to just sympathize with their families, we should also empathize with them.

Celebs share their sentiments on the raging national issue.

China Cojuangco-Gonzalez

First and foremost, I am sending my sincere condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. What happens after these troopers are laid to rest? This cannot just fade away. Accountability is what I want, as a Filipino. Who ordered the serving of the warrant? Was he aware of the repercussions of such an order? Why didn’t the army help when the troopers requested for backup? We need answers. The PNP-SAF families and we, the Filipino people, seek justice.

Shalani Soledad-Romulo wishes that justice would be served soon.

Shalani Soledad-Romulo

The death of the 44 SAF heroes is heartbreaking. As we continue to pray for them, their families and our men in uniform, we also wish that justice would be served soon.

Edu Manzano: It was an honor to have served with such a dedicated unit.

Edu Manzano

The tragedy of the SAF 44 affected me more than I thought it would. I find myself feeling indignation, confusion, anger and deep sorrow. Having been an enlisted soldier, I am familiar with the camaraderie and brotherhood they shared. On a more personal note, I worked closely with the SAF for six years during my tenure as chair of the Optical Media Board. It was an honor and a privilege to have served with such a dedicated, cohesive and upstanding unit. Rest in honored glory, brave men of the Fallen 44. While your deaths are too painful to remember, the valor and bravery you showed throughout your lives will never be forgotten.

Joel Lamangan

In our history, it is one of the most condemnable acts of the government against its men who are trying to protect it. It will remain in the nation’s memory for a long time because of the pain caused by the betrayal of trust. It is

indeed a day of mourning for the death of our fallen policemen. But it also marks the death of the people’s trust in a government that failed in its duty to protect its citizens, especially its defenders.

Ogie Alcasid

My wife (Regine Velasquez) and I have been praying unceasingly for the families of the SAF 44. The Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit plans to mobilize our fellow music artists for a fundraising concert. It is truly sad. One can’t help but be angry, too. It’s as if our emotional maturity is being put to the test. We pray for grace, mercy and patience.

John Estrada

It’s heartwrenching, to say the least, watching our heroes arrive in coffins and seeing their families try to make sense of their loss. I cannot imagine the sacrifices our policemen and soldiers have made so that we can sleep soundly at night. We should start honoring our brave men and women in uniform every single day, even with small gestures like taking time to talk to them, to say thank you and smiling at them.

Tommy Abuel

A thorough investigation must be conducted to determine the truth so that the policemen who died will get the justice they deserve and the perpetrators will be punished. Otherwise, we will allow the culprits to literally get away with murder. It should also serve as a wake-up call for the government to take a long, hard look at the terms and provisions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Chris Tiu: We salute our courageous heroes.

Chris Tiu

We salute our courageous heroes for their gallant effort. Our prayers go out to the SAF 44 and their families. We hope that those

responsible will be held accountable. Rest assured, the service rendered by these heroes to the country will not be forgotten.

Rocco Nacino says one of his relatives was among the slain policemen.

Rocco Nacino

It’s sad to know that something like this happened. It really hit me hard because a relative is among the SAF 44, PO2 Nicky Nacino. I just pray for peace after this tragedy.

Christian Bautista

I’m praying for their families, for their children, for the future of our country, for peace and justice.

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Papal coverage standout

Everyone in the broadcast media did a commendable job, covering Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines, but I have to single out ABS-CBN’s Lynda Jumilla. I watched most of her reports and she delivered hard facts but still managed to include the softer side of the news.

Lynda added interesting details to her report, from the reaction and emotions of the foreign journalists in the papal plane, to the Pope’s compassionate words during intimate encounters, and even the Pope’s snacks while waiting for his next stop.

Her credibility and sincerity truly made her effective in giving Filipinos updates on the historic event. Lynda took her assignment as a Vatican correspondent to heart by learning to speak Italian, as seen in her interaction with the Pope in her documentary “Ang Mabuting Pastol: Pope Francis sa Pilipinas.”

LyndAmazing!

Joey G in Davao

To all my readers in Davao, don’t miss the Valentine dinner show of Side A’s Joey Generoso on Feb. 14 at Lane’s Function Hall in Mati City, Davao Oriental. Tickets (P2,500) are available at Krystelle’s Salon & Spa (0936-7611819). Let Joey G’s love songs do Cupid’s work in making it your most romantic V-day ever!