MANKAYAN, Benguet –- Immortalizing the heroism of the gallant Special Action Force (SAF) 44 two years after the Mamasapano, Maguindanao encounter, PDir Benjamin Lusad (SAF), and some members of Lepanto National High School (LNHS) alumni batch 1991, initiated the construction of the “Gallant SAF 44 Memorial Heroes Monument” here.
The Gallant SAF 44 Heroes Memorial Monument, bearing their names including the three members of LNHS Alumni Association – SPO1 Noel Golocan, PO2 Noble Kiangan and PO1 Angel Kodiamat, was installed in a mini park inside the school named “Values Education Learning” Park of the LNHS in Paco, Lepanto, Mankayan, Benguet.
Golocan graduated from the LNHS in 1998; Kiangan belonged to LNHS batch 2003 and Kodiamat, from Marivic Sapid, Lepanto, was a member of LNHS class 2005.
SAF Public Information Officer, PSr Inspector Jonalyn Malnat on Friday, February 24, said the Gallant SAF 44 Heroes Memorial Monument in Lepanto is the second memorabilia to be constructed nationwide and is the first in the Province of Benguet.
Two more monuments will be constructed in the Municipalities of Kabayan and La Trinidad as soon as the local government units (LGUs) adopt the plan for SAF troopers PO2 Jerry Kayob and CI Jednat Tabdi of La Trinidad and PO2 Walner Danao of Kabayan, Benguet.
Malnat said the monument in Lepanto was unveiled on February 21 witnessed by students and faculty of LNHS, Mamasapano survivors, relatives of the SAF troopers and members of the second special action battalion (2SAB) and fifth special action battalion 5SAB including PSupt. Mario Mayames Jr. (battalion commander 2SAB), PSupt. Leon Monte (batallion commander new bilibid prison 5SAD), LNHS principal Nestor Dalay-on, LNHS faculty and staff.
Malnat said other regions are planning to adopt the same projects and establish a heroes’ monument to give honor to the fallen 44 SAF troops. Dionisio Dennis, Jr/PNA-northboundasia.com