PNP to honor 13 heroic cops

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) will honor 13 policemen for their bravery and outstanding accomplishments as the police force celebrates its 19th anniversary today.

President Arroyo will present the Medalya ng Katapangan (PNP Bravery Medal) to Inspector Christopher Obien, of the 306th Provincial Mobile Group of Bulacan Police Provincial Office, for single-handedly killing three armed robbers who held up the passengers of a bus along EDSA on May 21, 2009.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, concurrent chairman of the National Police Commission, and PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa will assist Mrs. Arroyo in presenting the awards.

The President will also present PNP Bravery Medals to Senior Police Officer 1 Cesar Tiglao and PO1 Efren Ceniza Jr., who belong to the Taguig City police, for engaging members of the Alvin Flores robbery group in a shootout and preventing them from pulling off a robbery at the Greenbelt 5 mall on Oct. 19, 2009.

Superintendent Nereo Torrecampo will receive a Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) for leading a PNP team who rescued 500 victims stranded in Cainta, Rizal by floodwaters at the height of tropical storm “Ondoy” on Sept. 26, 2009.

Senior Superintendent William Macavinta will receive a Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod (PNP Special Service Medal) for co-hosting a marathon broadcast that attended to requests for police assistance from Ondoy victims.

Mrs. Arroyo will also award the Medalya ng Katangitanging Gawa (PNP Outstanding Achievement Medal) to selected PNP officers and personnel for outstanding individual achievements: Chief Superintendents George Regis, Milton Dolino, and Cipriano Querol; Senior Superintendents Charles Calima and Ulysses Abellera; Superintendent Nino Rabaya; and non-uniformed personnel Cynthia Rosales.

Laoag City police chief Superintendent Sterling Raymund Blanco will receive the 1st Lead PNP Award for police chiefs for 2009.    – Cecille Suerte Felipe