Cop who got wounded in blast to receive medal

CEBU, Philippines - The policeman who was wounded in a grenade blast in Toledo City last Saturday will be receiving the “Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting,” PRO-7 Director Lani-o Nerez said yesterday.

Nerez said he is impressed by PO3 Revocato Gesite who responded swiftly to the alarm in barangay Daang Lungsod together with two other fellow policemen. Nerez said he will wait for the official report from the Toledo police chief to determine what recognition to give to Gesite’s companions.

The Toledo police received a call from a concerned citizen about an armed person in barangay Talavera past 4pm last Saturday. Gesite and his fellow policemen immediately proceeded to the area and saw Nelson Hernane, 39, a resident of barangay Daang Lungsod, with a .38 revolver. 

Hernane allegedly refused when ordered to surrendered, which prompted Gesite to disarm the suspect. However, after Gesite successfully took the firearm away from Hernane, the suspect reportedly pulled out a grenade and pulled off the pin.   The explosion killed Hernane and wounded Gesite and civilians Arturo Araba and a minor. Hernane was declared dead on arrival at the Toledo District Hospital. Gesite and the two civilians were subsequently brought to the South General Hospital. Gesite is now out of danger.

“Usahay gud, kaning naay panghitabo, atong zealousness sa pagpatuman sa atong trabaho mo-resulta jud og ingon ani. Anyway, naa sab tay lessons learned labi na sa pagduol sa usa ka armado,” Nerez said.

Nerez said PRO-7 will handle all of Gesite’s hospital expenses. “I told him unsay needed, ipa-siguro kay shouldered tanan,” Nerez said.

Nerez and Provincial Police Director Jesus Gaquing went to the South General Hospital to personally congratulate Gesite and to extend financial assistance to his family.

Gaquing said they will try to trace where Hernane got the grenade. He said all policemen of CPPO have undergone training on properly responding to any kind of alarm. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)