PNP urged to fete cops in NCotabato municipality

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines - Local officials condemned the attack by communist rebels on the municipal government compound of President Roxas town before dawn Tuesday and recommended to Camp Crame the immediate grant of merit medals to local policemen that fought  off the attackers.

"They deserve merit medals for keeping their avowed mission to serve and protect, and uphold law and order at all times," said North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, presiding chairperson of the inter-agency provincial peace and order council.

Three New People’s Army guerrillas were killed in the encounter, which also left the municipal police chief, Senior Inspector Bernabe Rubio, wounded. He is now undergoing medication at a hospital.

Mendoza said the attack was “anti-people” and would derail efforts of stakeholders to improve the business climate in the municipality.

Mendoza said Rubio and his men should be awarded with citation medals for bravery and gallantry in combat.

The NPAs arrived at the premises of the municipal government compound at about 3:30 a.m. on board cargo trucks and attempted to enter the compound.

Though outnumbered, the policemen managed to put a tough defense by positioning themselves on the second floor of their precinct building, providing them a good view of the approaching rebels.
 
The NPAs retreated to various directions after the three, from among dozens that tried to breach the entrance to the police station, were felled by Rubio and his men with  M-16 rifles.

Villagers have confirmed seeing the NPAs escape from the scene carrying wounded companions.

The attack came after after Mayor Jaime Mahimpit refused to pay “protection money” to the rebels.

Mahimpit and his three police escorts were wounded in an NPA roadside bombing two months ago. - John Unson