79 cops commended for part in foiling rob

CEBU, Philippines - Seventy-nine policemen from the Cebu City Police Office received commendations for their active participation in the botched heist in uptown Cebu last Sept. 5 where three robbers were killed.

CCPO director Sr. Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe commended the 79 deserving policemen, who in one way or another, contributed to foiling the robbery.

Buenafe said this is their simple way of recognizing the efforts of their men who are ready to lay down their lives for the sake of their oath which is to serve and protect the people.

“I wish to express my appreciation on the role played in responding quickly in a robbery. Your enthusiasm to serve and protect, unmindful of the risk of your life is a great manifestation of your utmost dedication to duty,” the certificate of commendation read.

“By commending them, everybody will be an example to other policemen to emulate. So that ma-encourage ang tanan to be always on the alert for opportunities to serve,” he said. 

All those who received the commendation shared in their joy and said they will continue to serve the Cebuano community with the same vigor and honesty.

The awardees came from various units in the CCPO namely from the Investigation and Detective Management Branch, City Intelligence Branch, Special Weapons and Tactics team, Mobile Patrol Group, Theft and Robbery Section and Homicide Section.

The robbers struck inside a mall in the Fuente Osmeña area shooting a roving teller of Chinabank, who was delivering P1.2 million cash to a money changer.

Two security guards assigned to escort the teller were killed while three of the robbers also died when shot by policemen when they tried to flee.

The only robber to survive the ordeal, Dionisio "Jun-jun" Cabando, is still at large. – (FREEMAN)