President Aquino to Lead National Day of Mourning for Fallen Police Commandos

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the observance of the National Day of Mourning on Friday (January 30) at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig during the memorial service in honor of the 44 members of the police’s Special Action Force (SAF), who died in Maguindanao on Sunday, the Palace said.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the necrological service would be attended by the families of the slain police commandos, members of the Cabinet, and other government officials, as well as officers and personnel of the Philippine National Police.

President Aquino issued Proclamation No. 953 on Wednesday, declaring January 30, 2015 as a day of national mourning, in solidarity with the bereaved families and friends of the 44 SAF members.

“The entire nation is requested to offer prayers and all public institutions are directed to lower the Philippine flag at half-mast on Friday,” he said.

The President, in his televised address on Wednesday evening, called for public support for the peace process in Mindanao despite the Maguindanao incident.

He also made an assurance that the families of those killed will receive assistance from the government. PND (as)