President Duterte on Saturday conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag in Camp Francisco Fernandez, Sibulan, Negros Oriental on four policemen killed in an ambush by members of the New People’s Army in Ayungon, Negros Oriental Thursday.
The slain policemen who received the posthumous award were Police Corporal Relebert Beronio, Police Patrolman Raffy Callao, Police Patrolman Ruel Cabellon, and Police Patrolman Marquino de Leon, intelligence personnel of the 704th Mobile Force Company Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Philippine National Police in Central Visayas.
Duterte condoled with the families of the slain policemen who were verifying the reported presence of the NPA in Barangay Mabato in Ayungon when they were attacked. Their firearms were taken by the rebels and the motorcycles they were using went missing.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte has offered a P1-million reward for the capture, dead or alive, of the NPA rebels behind the ambush.
After visiting the wake, Panelo said Duterte convened a command conference with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police where the developments relative to the investigation of the incident were discussed.
“According to the Chief Executive, a P1-million reward will be given for the capture, whether dead or alive, of the masterminds, perpetrators, and main shooters of the four police intelligence personnel. A P50,000 reward, on the other hand, will be given for the capture of all the conspirators involved in this felonious activity,” Panelo said.
The Office of the President also condoled with the families and loved ones of the slain policemen and assured them that justice will be served.
“We will ensure that justice will be served to those behind this condemnable offense against our peace enforcers. The full force of the law will come crashing down on the perpetrators,” Panelo said.
The Order of Lapu-Lapu is given to persons in government or private sector who have rendered extraordinary service or have made exceptional contributions to the success of the President’s campaign or advocacy.
The Kalasag medal is awarded to officials and personnel of the government and private individuals who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.
Dependents of soldiers and policemen killed in action receive P250,000 financial assistance from the government while other benefits are extended through the Comprehensive Social Benefit Program. Injured members of the security forces receive P100,000. (Argyll Geducos)