By MARTIN SADONDONG
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde has commended two cops who survived an encounter with a father and son allegedly involved in illegal drug trade in Pasay City.
Albayalde personally awarded the Medalyang Sugatang Magiting to Police Officer 3 Christina Villanueva and PO1 Arma Canezares at the Manila Sanitarium where they are recuperating from wounds, the PNP said in a statement on Thursday night.
The two cops are both detailed at Malibay Police Community Precinct in Pasay City.
PO3 Villanueva and PO1 Canezares sustained gunshot wounds after they figured in an armed encounter with Edgardo Samson, 50, and his 25-year-old son, Mark Vincent, during a police operation on E. Cornejo Street in Malibay, Pasay around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Edgardo was killed in the said operation while Mark Vincent was apprehended by police.
According to a police report, PO3 Villanueva and Po1 Canezares were conducting Oplan Sita and Oplan Galugad along F. De Guzman Street when they chanced upon Edgardo, who had a gun tucked in his waist.
The cops approached Edgardo and asked him to show the registration papers of the firearm, but the suspect suddenly fired shots at the lawmen, police said.
PO3 Villanueva was hit in the shoulder and knee while PO1 Canezares was wounded in the hip.
Meanwhile, Mark Vincent tried to grab the service firearm of PO3 Villanueva but he was shot by the latter in the knee.
His father, on the other hand, ran towards the adjacent E. Cornejo Street but the wounded cops managed to call for a back-up team.
Responding team from Malibay Police Community Precinct located Edgardo before he could allegedly detonate a hand grenade. A brief firefight ensued, leading to the death of Edgardo.
Albayalde commended the bravery of the two cops, saying their heroic acts are worthy of emulation.
Police recovered from the suspects a 12-gauge improvised shotgun, a grenade, and nine sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.
Mark Vincent was brought to Pasay City Police and appropriate charges are being readied against him.