A top international terrorist hiding among the Moro rebels and plying his trade on Philippine soil was the prime target of the Special Action Force operations in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The terrorist was killed while 44 police commandos and a number of Moro rebels and civilians were among the fatalities in that operation.
Outcries and recriminations followed, and investigations are now on stream. Yes, let us learn whatever lessons we can from that botched mission. But let not partisanship, intrigues or idle speculations diminish the heroism of the 44 commandos and their comrades.
We mourn their death, and honor their memory. Their valor must be recognized and properly rewarded. Their heroism will be commemorated in our songs, studied in our classrooms and enshrined in the nation’s memory. As we hail our new heroes, let us prudently pursue the peace process, safeguard our democratic way of life, and remain a united country.
—ANTONIO A. AGUSTIN, dean, School of Law, Manuel L. Quezon University