CEBU, Philippines - At least 18 policemen and some other non-government organizations were recognized by the Philippine National Police for their accomplishments and contributions in anti-illegal drug operations and other causes in Central Visayas.
During the 24th Philippine National Police Foundation Day at the regional headquarters yesterday morning, 15 policemen were awarded with the PNP Medalya ng Kagalingan for their participation in the successful anti-illegal drug operations in the region last year.
They include Cebu City Police Office City Intelligence Branch chief, Superintendent Romeo Santander; CCPO CIB deputy chief, Inspector Gomersendo Mandawe; Police Officer 3 David Naraja Jr. of CCPO CIB; Cebu Provincial Police Office Provincial Intelligence Branch team leader Senior Inspector Leo Logroño, Senior Police Officer 4 Jaime Otadoy of CCPO PIB; Police Officer 3 Roderick Balili of CCPO PIB; and members of the Regional Special Operations Group of the Regional Intelligence Division-7 namely Senior Inspector Romeo Sentinta Jr.; Senior Police Officer 1 Lucermindo Banaylo Jr.; and Police Officer 1 Jeffrey Calderon.
Operatives of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office were also awarded with the PNP merit medal. They include Senior Inspector Ryan Jay Orapa; Police Officer 1 Jerald Manlan; and Police Officer 1 Retoni Jun Escala.
Superintendent Teofilo Siclot Jr., Police Officer 1 Emmanuel Paran, and Police Officer 1 Mark Anthony Reyes, all members of Siquijor Police Station of the Siquijor Provincial Police Office, were also given the PNP Medalya ng Papuri.
Personnel of the Regional Public Safety Battalion-7 – namely Inspector Armel Von Alegria, Inspector Alvino Enguito, Police Officer 1 Jemmar Castro – were awarded the PNP Medalya nga Pagtulong sa Nasalanta for responding to Ormoc, Leyte, Tacloban and other areas devastated by super typhoon Yolanda.
PRO-7 also gave recognition to Fernando Borja, Legal Alternative for Wo-men Center Incorporated, and First Consolidated Bank Tagbilaran Branch for their support in the intensified police operations and anti-drug campaign of the regional police force.
Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, who served as the guest speaker of the event, commended the police force of Central Visayas for its efforts against criminalities.
He acknowledged the crucial role of policemen in the criminal justice system, describing them as the frontline elements in maintaining peace and order and promoting public safety.
He said that the local government feels the need to strengthen its collaboration and cooperation with the police force to fight the “mother of all crimes” – illegal drugs.
Davide said that as a result, they have come up with an intensified program against illegal drugs based on three holistic approaches- law enforcement, preventive education campaign and treatment rehabilitation program.
He also said that policemen are also considered as partners in their pursuit for economic development since potential investors require assurance of peace and order.
“The Philippine National Police has come a long way from its beginnings. I congratulate for what they have achieved and I ask them to keep the virtue of leadership as part of their daily lives,” he stated.
Davide shared that he once wanted to be a policeman and said that had he not pursued law as what his father wanted, he could have followed his childhood dream.
“I had a special bias for policemen. Duol sa akong kasing-kasing ang mga pulis,” he said.
Meanwhile, Police Regional Office - 7 regional director Chief Superintendent Prudencio Tom Bañas vowed to intensify their campaign against illegal drugs in Central Visayas following their accomplishments in 2014.
When he assumed office in June last year, Bañas declared an all-out war against illegal drugs throughout the region. (FREEMAN)