Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde, chief of the Philippine National Police, wants the 18 cops who stood their ground and eventually drove away a large band of communist rebels who tried to lay siege on a police station in Victoria, Northern Samar last week to be the poster boys of bravery for the entire police force.
The 18 policemen will be awarded for their bravery, including meritorious promotion, in the flag-raising ceremony in Camp Crame, Quezon City today.
“I gave an instruction for them to report on Monday for the flag-raising at Camp Crame. They will be commended and be given awards and some of them will have meritorious promotions,” said Albayalde.
Those who will receive the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Heroism Medal) are Police Lt. Eladio G. Alo, officer-in-charge of the Victoria Municipal Station; Police Chief Master Sergeants Aimee Lutze Cadiente and Marlon Ordonia; Police Senior Master Seargent Arturo Gordo Jr.; Police Master Sergeant Arnold Cabacang, Police Staff Sergeants Ramil Ramosa, Raul Francisco Jr., and Brande Esquilon; Police Corporals Bryan Ed Penaflor, Jaykarl Laurio, Eddie Edwin Diaz, Tracy Silagan, and Jake Salesa; and Patrolmen Ronnel Goco, Marlon Estopagian, Errol Montopar, Gerald Casyao, and Jhonar Cris Bernadas.
Gordo and Cabacang will receive a separate Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP Wounded Personnel Medal).
The 18 cops put up a fight against more than 50 communist rebels who attacked their police station last week.
Despite being outnumbered, the cops were able to kill three of the attacking communist rebels and arrested another one.
“They are a good example of what policemen should be: Always ready and aware, and have the instinct to fight the enemy,” said Albayalde. “That is why I would like to commend them for their actions,” he added. (Aaron Recuenco)