Cops in Greenbelt shootout honored

MANILA, Philippines - The Taguig City government yesterday honored two policemen who killed one of at least seven heavily armed robbers at the Greenbelt 5 mall in Makati City Sunday.

Mayor Sigfrido Tiñga yesterday honored his two security escorts, Senior Police Officer 1 Cesar Tiglao and PO1 Efren Ceniza Jr. for their courage and presence of mind, and for risking their own lives on duty. He described them as role models of law enforcement.

“I believe that they are what the country needs now – modern day heroes. They did not even hesitate to react accordingly even if they had to risk their own lives. For them, it was a call of duty, and they performed that duty valiantly,” he said during a courtesy call at the Taguig City Hall yesterday.

While waiting for Tiñga, who was at a family gathering at a nearby restaurant, Tiglao and Ceniza chanced upon the robbers breaking the glass cases of the Rolex store.

Tiglao and Ceniza, armed with .9mm and .45 caliber handguns, exchanged shots with the robbers, who were armed with grenade launchers and M14 Armalite rifles. When the smoke cleared, the dead robber was found holding a hand grenade.

Tiglao and Ceniza were awarded a certificate of recognition during the flag-raising ceremonies at the Taguig City quadrangle yesterday morning. Tiñga also recommended them for promotion.

Tiglao has been in the service for 21 years while Cenize entered the service in 2007.