Families of fallen SAF: Truth will help us move on

Amid the ongoing investigation into the clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that left 44 Special Action Forces dead, families of the fallen commandoes are hoping to know the truth for them to finally move on.

Doctor Christine Cempron, the widow of Cebuano SAF officer PO1 Romeo Cempron, said that knowing what really happened in Mamasapano would be a big help for them to go on with their lives.

When Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas visited the wake of Cempron, Dr. Christine stressed to Roxas that they need to know what really happened in Mamasapano.

Doctor Christine said that after the burial of her husband, she doesn’t know how to go back to her own life.

She said that she has not received a copy of the autopsy report on her husband. As a doctor, she said the report is very important.

“For us right now it’s more of a priority to find out what happened,” Cempron said.

She shared that she is now experiencing the lowest part of her life and what makes her strong is her faith.

But she owes her courage to her husband who taught her to be brave and strong.

She also felt sad when some people question the financial assistance extended to them when they do not have a child.

“I challenge you ihatag ko ning tanang financial assistance nga gihatag sa akoa pun- an ko pa, kinsa may willing magpapatay aron lang mabuhi lang akong bana,” she said.

On the other hand, Michelle Candano, PO1 Candano’s wife, said that she wants to become a part of the Philippine National Police but she has to be an eligible applicant.

Pending her eligibility, she will be given a chance to work as a non- uniformed personnel at the headquarters.