3 cops commended for rob suspect’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) commended three police officers who killed a suspected robber in an alleged shootout in Las Piñas City on Thursday.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos visited on Thursday night Master Sergeants Avelino Lopez and Warren Bong Panton, who are recuperating from the wounds they suffered during the shootout in Barangay Manuyo Dos.

Abalos was accompanied by PNP chief Gen. Rommel Franciso Marbil and National Capital Region Police Office Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

Abalos awarded the police officers the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting to Lopez and Panton for their bravery.

The Medalya ng Kagalingan, meanwhile, was given to Lt. Jesus de Leon, who was also present during the armed encounter.

“I am pleased with the performance of the police force under the PNP chief’s program,” Abalos told reporters.

The policemen, who are assigned with the city police’s traffic motorcycle riding unit, engaged the suspect in a shootout.

Abalos said the accomplishment proves the effectiveness of the programs of the PNP under the current administration.