Cops awarded for drug operation

CEBU, Philippines – The two policemen who were wounded during a shootout with a gang in Barangay Inawayan, Cebu City received commendation medals yesterday morning.

Police Regional Office-7 Director, Chief Superintendent Prudencio Tom Bañas, handed the “Medalaya ng Sugatang Magiting” to SPO2 Julieto Bequilla, and PO2 Philip James Tanza at the hospital where the two are confined.

Bequilla and Tanza are operatives of the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Bañas said the medal is one way of showing that the office supports its personnel in the campaign against illegal drugs.

“It’s just to show you that we fully support our personnel sa ating laban na ito sa illegal drugs to motivate and inspire our personnel,” Bañas said.

The bullet that hit Tanza had damaged his kidney. Bequilla, meanwhile, was hit in the thigh but is now capable of walking.

Tanza said he will continue to serve as a law enforcer despite what happened. He said the good news from what happened is that 17-year-old alleged hitman of the gang was arrested.

His wife, Beverly, admitted trying to convince Tanza to leave the force but said she might just have to resign to the fact that he never will.

Bañas said that aside from the regional office, the national headquarters also recognizes his men’s efforts.

“As per feedback from our leaders in the national headquarters, they have recognized our efforts here. In fact, we have more than doubled our seizure of illegal drugs and more than tripled firearms we have seized during the nine months campaign of illegal drugs,” he said.

Bañas also recognized the cooperation of the public in the fight against drugs even through letters and text messages. He said the information they get often lead to a successful arrest of drug personalities. – /JMO (FREEMAN)