LAGUNA: A wounded cop received an award for risking his life and playing a key role in the arrest of a barangay official during a recent buy-bust operation.
Police Officer 2 Noel R. Hacutina Jr, a member of Victoria police, was awarded the ‘Medalyang Sugatang Magiting’ which was handed over to him Chief Superintendent Valfrie G. Tabian, regional director of PRO4.
Hacutina acted as poseur buyer to barangay kagawad Estilito P. Victoria, 46 years old, last November 30. Victoria later on sensed that a buy-bust was being done to him, prompting the village chief to shoot Hacutina who was hit on his left arm.
Hacutina’s fellow policemen returned fire that resulted in the death of Victoria who was part of the area’s list of top priority drug suspects. (Danny Estacio)