The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution to provide financial assistance to the families of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers of the Philippine National Police who were killed in action in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25. 2015.

“As an expression of deep gratitude for their sacrifice in the service of their country, the House of Representatives hereby extends financial assistance to the families of the fallen policemen who were killed in the line of duty,” House Resolution 1865 stated. 

The resolution calls for a pledge  of P10,000 from each member of the House, which will be deducted from their monthly salary. With 290 members of the House,  the total amount of aid would reach almost P3 million.

“The entire nation mourns the death of these brave soldiers/policemen, considered modern-day heroes who laid down their lives in the call of duty,” stated the resolution filed by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora and committee on accounts chairman Eleandro Jesus Madrona.

Belmonte  had also ordered the Philippine flag flown at half-mast last January 29 at the House of Representatives in honor of the fallen SAF heroes.

At least five separate House Resolutions have been filed so far  expressing condemnation over the Mamasapano carnage and seeking a congressional investigation, in aid of legislation, on the circumstances that led to the incident.

The 44 members of the SAF were killed during a clash with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters last January 25 in Mamasapano.  The SAF contingent was in the area to serve warrants of arrest against Basit Usman and Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” who allegedly have strong links with the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah.