On February 12, 2015, members of the 19th Quezon City Council, led by Vice Mayor Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte, went to the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) headquarters at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig to personally hand a resolution commending the 44 PNP-SAF officers, widely known as “Fallen 44.”
Resolution No. SP-6203, S-2015, adopted on February 9, gave recognition to the troopers who were slain during the Mamasapano encounter with Moro rebels on January 25. Said measure was introduced by Councilors Eufemio C. Lagumbay, Jesus C. Suntay, Victor V. Ferrer Jr. and Godofredo T. Liban II.
The Council extended financial assistance sourced from their personal funds to each of the bereaved families. Melanie Duque, widow of PO3 Andres Duque, Jr., was present during the visit to receive the resolution and monetary assistance. Duque, one of the fallen officers, was a resident of Quezon City.
Subsequently, Resolution No. PR 19CC-819 was introduced by Councilors Alexis R. Herrera, Lena Marie P. Juico and Dorothy A. Delarmente, and likewise adopted on February 9, to give additional financial aid to both the injured officers and the families of the deceased, which will be taken from the annual budget of the City.
P/S Supt. Amando Clifton Empiso, acting chief for the Directorial Staff of SAF, presented the resolution together with Vice Mayor Belmonte.
Council members who joined the Vice Mayor in Taguig include Councilors Jesus Manuel C. Suntay, Anthony Peter D. Crisologo, Vicente DG. Belmonte, Jr., Bayani V. Hipol, Eufemio C. Lagumbay, Godofredo T. Liban II, Raquel S. Malañgen, Candy A. Medina, Roderick M. Paulate, Estrella C. Valmocina and Andres Jose G. Yllana.
The Council also adopted Resolution No. PR 19CC-844, which commended 15 PNP-SAF officers who were wounded in combat, and gave copies of the same to each of the 15 troopers. This resolution was introduced by Councilors Roderick M. Paulate and Jesus C. Suntay, and adopted on February 23. |
