Michael V. sketched this image and said,
"One of the heartbreaking stories I heard is about a fallen SAF who died
viewing his family's photos on his phone."
Transcript of speech of Erica Pabalinas,
(one of the widows of the Fallen 44)
Erica Pabalinas, the widow of Sr. Insp. Ryan Pabalinas, spoke in behalf of families of the members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force killed this past weekend in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao. Below is the full transcript of her speech.
To our president, President Noyoy Aquino, and to all police officers, to my fellow families who are grieving right now as we are, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.
I am very much unsure of what I am feeling right now. Should I be sad that I lost my husband? Or I should feel happy and proud that he fought to his last breath not only for peace in Mindanao but for the entire nation?
My husband gave his life to claim peace. He placed service to the people before anything else.
I remember when he left the house, naglalambing ako sa kanya. Sabi ko, "Daddy 'wag ka na lang po sumama, dahil hindi ka pa OK."
Then he replied, "Mommy, ayan ka na naman, hindi mo na naman naintindihan."
Then our little girl also said to him, "Daddy, 'wag ka na lang umalis kasi gabi na. Baka kunin ka lang po ng mga bad guys."
Despite, Ryan left.
It is a clear manifestation that my husband has put duty first before family, and I understand. Slowly, I accept that my husband can't be with us anymore. Consoling myself that he died a hero.
It is painful though. All I ask right now is justice. Not only for my husband, [who] was brutally killed, but for everyone who fought and fell.
Let us not put into our minds that my husband and his men pursued the operations because of the tag price on top of the heads of the lawless elements. Because if just for that we could have been richer. Because I know for a fact that my husband has been a lot through on the same situation.
For the grieving wives, just like me, let us be strong for our children because behind every brave SAF trooper is a strong wife. Behind every brave SAF trooper is a strong wife! To our president, we seek for your help to attain justice. Please, sir president, please help us.
