Compostela cop slain while repulsing 50 rebels gets posthumous promotion

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. ordered yesterday the posthumous promotion of a police officer in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley who died while fighting more than 50 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who raided the town last Tuesday.

“The PNP will never run out of heroes with policemen like (PO2 Rolando) Suarez who are ready to offer the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,” Razon said.

Suarez was killed in a clash with NPA guerrillas led by one Commander Isko, preventing the rebels from overrunning an outpost of militiamen in Purok 15, Barangay Bukal, Nabunturan town. 

The insurgents failed to seize any firearms, but later ambushed reinforcing troops, killing SPO1 Allan Sasubi of the 1102nd Provincial Mobile Group.

Razon ordered the PNP Directorial Staff and Southern Mindanao police director Chief Superintendent Andres Caro II to extend financial assistance to Suarez’s family.

Senior Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, PNP spokesman, said Suarez will be posthumously promoted to PO3, and all benefits due him will be released to his family immediately, including his insurance benefits from the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund.