The Philippine Embassy Team and the Filipino community in New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands, are one with the Filipino nation in paying respects to the members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) who died during an armed encounter in Maguindanao, Philippines on 25 January 2015. As we salute our brave and selfless heroes, we plead for GOD’s comfort, consolation and strength for their bereaved families, loved ones and friends. Let us all continue to pray for peace and GOD’s protection for our beloved country and people.

The Philippine national flag was flown at half-mast at the Philippine Embassy on 30 January 2015, declared a National Day of Mourning in honour of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.