Punta cops, tanod, tipster awarded for robbers' arrest

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office-7 awarded Punta Princesa Police Station chief, Sr. Insp. Gilberto Abellar, SPO4 Gualberto Oroc, SPO1 Alejandro Batobalonos, PO3 Rene Labiaga, PO2 Robert de Castro, PO1 Renato Berido, PO1 Ronilo Quirante, and PO1 Galil Aiza Nacario with the Medalya ng Kagalingan yesterday morning following the immediate arrest of Noel Davis, Jeromy Polistico, Frederick Ybañez and Kirby Abanilla the other Tuesday.

The four suspects allegedly robbed Jennifer de la Cerna of her pieces of jewelry worth P7.2 million at the corner of F. Llamas Street and N. Bacalso Avenue last week.

“I recognize this good accomplishment (of Punta Princesa police) and I expect other PNP personnel to do their job also,” Supt. Lani-O Nerez, director of the PRO-7, said.

Nerez, in an interview with reporters yesterday, urged other police forces in Central Visayas to “do their best and follow the example set by the Punta Princesa police.”

A barangay tanod and an informant were awarded as well yesterday with the said medal. The civilian asset who informed the police about the fleeing suspects received a certificate of recognition and cash inside Nerez’ office after the police and the tanod were awarded in public.

Abellar, for his part, called on his colleagues to respond to an incident or complaint promptly “whether it’s big or simple” and “give the same focus to immediately solve the case.” — Niña G. Sumacot/MEEV   (THE FREEMAN)