09 February 2015 – In solidarity with the entire Philippine nation on the declaration of  January 30 as a Day of National Mourning, Philippine Embassy officials and staff offered mass at the Apostolic Nunciature for the intention of the 44 fallen members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Forces (PNP SAF). Msgr. Javier Domingo Fernandez Gonzalez, Rev. Fr. Jose Antonio Rodriguez Garcia and Rev. Fr. Raymond Hickey concelebrated the mass.

In his homily, Msgr. Javier Fernandez recalled the Pope’s recent visit to the Philippines and his call for peace in the country. Msgr. Fernandez expressed condolences and offered sympathy to the family and friends of the fallen PNP SAF troopers.

The flag was immediately lowered to half-mast at the chancery. Embassy officials also attended the flag retreat in the afternoon. END