3 cops cited for bravery

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Three police officers wounded in a shootout with suspected drug traffickers in Lanao del Sur received medals for gallantry and dedication to service on Saturday.

Maj. Bobby Egera, chief of the Marantao police, and his men – Cpls. Mujahid Taurac and Al-Sadat Jahiri Guyguyon – received the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting at the Amai Pakpak Hospital in Marawi City, where they are undergoing treatment.

Aside from the medals, the officers received cash assistance, according to Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, Bangsamoro police director.

Egera and his men  were about to serve arrest warrants on drug suspect Abbas Dimnang Rampa and his followers in Barangay Nataron on Jan. 26 when a firefight erupted.

Rampa died at the scene. Two of his men, identified as Ansaruna Mulingan Magi and Johari Taban Barani were arrested in a pursuit operation.