Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, January 28, 2015 – PCSUPT ASHER ABANILLA DOLINA, OIC, PRO8 extends his deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and relatives of the fallen police personnel during a clash against alleged lawless elements in Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

According to PCSUPT DOLINA, these police officers have died a meaningful death on the side of justice and righteousness. Their courage and devotion to service truly deserves utmost praise and recognition. The whole PRO8 mourns with the loss of these elite SAF personnel, six (6) of them are from Eastern Visayas.

The heroes from Eastern Visayas were identified as: PO3 John Lloyd R Sumbilla of Brgy. Tabi, Sulat, Eastern Samar; PO2 Glen Bedua of Brgy. San Jose, Dulag, Leyte; PO2 Rodel Eva Ramacula of Brgy. Jamo-og, Rosario N. Samar; PO2 Noel Balaca Jr. of Sta. Monica, Oras, Eastern Samar; PO1 Mark Lory Clemencio of Brgy. Baruguhay, Carigara, Leyte; and PO1 Joseph Sagonoy of Brgy. Cabungaan, Silvino Lubos, N. Samar.

He said, full military honors will be rendered upon arrival of the remains at the DZR Airport on Saturday or Sunday. Currently, flags of all police units are in half-mast to show sympathy to the bereaved families.

PRO8 extended efforts in contacting the families of the fallen SAF members and provided financial support/transportation in going to Manila.

Further, to show respect, sympathy and unity to the families of the fallen heroes, all PNP personnel wears mourning band/funeral ribbon for a period of one week starting today, January 29, 2015.

Members of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) were killed in an encounter with alleged Muslim rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. According to initial report, 44 personnel were verified killed in police operation while 12 others were wounded.