Mayor Rivera: Hang on Fallen Heroes, Justice Will Come!

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 7, 2015) – "Hang on Fallen Heroes, Justice Will Come!"

This was the short, sincere and heartfelt message written by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera on the memorial wall for the "Fallen 44” or the members of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP - SAF) who were killed in a deadly operation in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Mayor Rivera was present for the ecumenical service for the Fallen 44 at the Camp Fermin Lira Thursday (February 5) to show his respect and salute the SAF troopers. 

With stern words, the mayor also outlined his support for a thorough and honest investigation as to what really had transpired during, before, and after the Mamasapano encounter.

“We should know first who had the shortcomings, who were those that made the wrong call,” the mayor said.

"I think it is proper for them to face charges,” he added.

 “What we are seeking here is peace and order. Those 44 men did a valiant job in seizing Marwan but of course, that didn’t justify their death,” Mayor Rivera emphasized. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Gensan officials, residents give honor to dead SAF soldier

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (2 February 2015) – The remains of P/Senior Inspector Ryan B. Pabalinas, who is among the 44 slain Philippine National Police – Special  Action Force (PNP-SAF) soldiers, finally arrived in Gensan, his home town, on board Cebu Pacific on January 31.

His father, Nelson Pabalinas, a retired police officer, accompanied the remains of his son in the flight.

Upon their arrival, they were received by the local government officials and executives as directed by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera as a sign of their utmost respect to the fallen hero.

The local officials personally accompanied the immediate family and relatives of Pabalinas in a mass held at the tarmac of General Santos City Airport.

His body was then transported to Camp Fermin Lira after the mass for a two-day wake.

Afterwards, his remains will be transported to Zamboanga City, the hometown of his wife, for the burial.

Mayor Rivera has already extended his condolences to the family of Pabalinas and assured that the local government will do its best to help them.

“I am extremely grieved by this sad, sorry incident. What we lost is more than our soldiers, but the chance of attaining peace in Mindanao itself,” Mayor Rivera said.

“To Pabalinas and to all his comrades, we in General Santos salute your bravery,” the mayor added.

Currently, some of the Pabalinas family members are staying in Camp Fermin Lira, the city police headquarters.

P/Senior Inspector Ryan B. Pabalinas, 31, was born in General Santos City but was raised in Banga, South Cotabato by his grandparents.

He then settled in Zamboanga after he married Erica Pabalinas, a local of the said area.

Ryan and Erica have a three-year old kid.

He finished as the class salutatorian of Notre Dame of Banga when he was in high school.

Pabalinas studied one year in Mindanao State University – General Santos City and then left to pursue his dream to become a policeman.

He graduated in the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in 2006, under the Bagsay-Lahi Batch.

Pabalinas and 43 other SAF troopers were killed-in-action while carrying out a mission to arrest  the Malaysian Jihadist terrorist, Zulkifli bin Hir alias “Marwan” at an MILF-held territory in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.

“He should turn 32 this coming July 21. But now it won’t happen. I am really, really sad,” said Pabalinas’ sister. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

City honors own SAF hero

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (1 February 2015)  - The remains of Police Senior Inspector Ryan Pabalinas, a native of General Santos City who was among the 44 slain SAF troopers in the Masasapano clash, arrive at the General Santos City Airport Saturday, January 31. Local government officials, as directed by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, would accompany the immediate family and relatives of Pabalinas, in a two-day wake at Camp Fermin Lira.  (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

City condoles with PSI Pabalinas’ family

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (1 February 2015) - Erica Pabalinas (2^nd from left) , wife of P/Senior Inspector Ryan Pabalinas, one of the 44 slain SAF troopers, is escorted at General Santos City Airport Saturday, January 31. She was warmly received by Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas Nograles and other local government officials headed by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera. Erica is originally from Zamboanga and will be in Gensan for the two-day wake of her husband before going back to her town with the remains for the burial. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)