La Union cop cited by PNoy

CAMP FLORENDO, La Union, Philippines – President Aquino was delighted about a lady police officer from Tubao, La Union who carried on her back a blind old woman back to her house after her relatives failed to fetch her at the town hall.

Chief Superintendent Roman Felix, Region 1 police director, said Aquino hailed SPO3 Erlinda Gagaoin during the 113th Police Service Anniversary recently.

“The President learned about the good deed of SPO3 Gagaoin and he mentioned her in his speech in Camp Crame,” Felix said during the same celebration for Police Regional Office 1 here last week.

Three weeks ago, a photo of the police officer carrying Rebecca Batalaer went viral after it was posted on Facebook, with more than 50,000 likes and shares.

The photo was taken by one of the residents who was touched by the kindness shown by the police officer and posted it on Facebook.

Gagaoin, head of the women and children protection desk of the Tubao police station, said she carried the woman back to her house some 200 meters away from the police station because the way going to their house is muddy.

“I removed my shoes and rolled up my pants and carried her on my back. She’s slightly heavy,” Gagaoin told The STAR after receiving a special citation from Felix.

Batalaer went to the town hall to attend to some personal matters. Her son, who brought her to the town hall, reportedly failed to fetch her because he went home late.

“I was surprised by the greetings (of the President). Although it is just a simple deed, it makes me like a showbiz personality,” Gagaoin said.

Senior Supt. Ramon Rafael, La Union police director, told The STAR that Gagaoin made the La Union police proud.

“She should be a role model to other policemen to do whatever they can to help our countrymen,” Rafael said.

Aside from Gagaoin’s award, the La Union police received numerous awards during the Police Service Anniversary at the grandstand here.

The La Union police was awarded for their achievement in the campaigns against organized crime, insurgency and illegal drugs, solution of sensational crimes and accomplishment on disaster rescue and relief operations.

San Fernando city police chief Supt. Julius Suriben and PO1 May Belena were awarded for their achievement in the field of intelligence; Supt. Eduardo Danguecan and SPO1 Roger Zalueta for investigation; Chief Inspector Artemio Infante and PO3 Ritchie Fabian for operations; SPO1 Nieva Castro for administration; and Susan Alminiana, non-uniformed personnel, for general support.