'Heroes 44': Purefoods' Marc Pingris pays tribute to fallen SAF troopers
In his own little way, Purefoods Star power forward Marc Pingris offered his sympathy—and gratitude as well—to the families of the 44 fallen Special Action Force commandos of the Philippine National Police who were brutally killed during the infamous Mamasapano operation last January 25.
The 6-foot-5 Pingris sported a black sleeveless shirt—with “Heroes 44” printed in front and “Salute Heroes 44” on the back under a photo of him saluting the crowd—during the pre-game warm-ups and appeared pumped-up right from the opening tip of the Hotshots’ impressive 98-86 victory over the Blackwater Elite on Friday night in the PBA Commissioners Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
“Of course, gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa mga ginawa nila sa atin. Kumbaga, buwis buhay ‘yung mga ginawa nila. Pati na rin du’n sa mga pamilya nila.
“Hindi ko naman sila kilala at hindi ko rin naman matatawagan. So kung nanood sila ng PBA, gusto ko lang sabihin sa kanila na ‘Condolence,’” shared Pingris to a handful of sportscribes after emerging from Purefoods Star’s dugout.
“Basta gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa kanila. Tinaya kasi nila ‘yung buhay nila para sa bansa,” he added.
Pingris churned in a solid outing of 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist and a steal in 27 minutes of action while tirelessly playing defense on former Gilas Pilipinas teammate and current Blackwater import Marcus Douthit.
Pingris disclosed he initially planned to use the shirt in their 108-88 victory over Alaska last Tuesday but it wasn’t made yet. Still, the pride of Pozorrubio, Pangasinan would like to dedicate his latest performance—and their team’s third straight victory—to the grieving families.
“Actually lahat naman kami dine-dedicate ang laro sa kanila. Iniisip ko nga sila nu’ng buong laro. Hindi man ito big deal, pero gusto ko lang talaga magpasalamat sa kanila,” he said. “Sana makarating itong (message) sa kanila.”
And we will send it, Ping.
