PALO, LEYTE, Philippines – Nine high ranking police officials of the Police Regional Office-8 were conferred with recognition for their successful security operations during the visit of Pope Francis in Leyte last January 17.
The awarding ceremonies were conducted during the PRO-8's celebration of the 24th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine National Police.
The awardees were: Chief Superintendent Cedrick Train, spokesperson of the Joint Task Group-Leyte for the papal visit; Senior Supt. Pio Manito, PNP-Leyte provincial director; and Sr. Supts. Elizar Egloso, Feliz Diloy, Isaiah Tonog, Brigido Unay, Jose Macanas and Domingo Cabillan; and Supt. Alex Daaco.
Meanwhile, Chief Supt. Asher Dolina, PRO-8 director, told The Freeman that his office was still waiting for the results of the investigation from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, in connection with the death of Kristel Mae Padasas, a Catholic Relief Service volunteer, who died after the Papal Mass at the Tacloban airport.
Dolina clarified that the investigators have been processing the completion of testimonies and affidavits of the witnesses and other personalities from the CRS. "We will then determine if there are evidences that will warrant for the filing of criminal charges against those responsible," he said.
Padasas died of fractured skull after she was hit by scaffolding from a sound system near the altar of the Papal Mass.
Part of the celebration of the PNP Anniversary was a wreath-laying ceremony, not only for the 44 commandos of the PNP Special Action Force who were killed in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, but to all policemen who died in the line of their duties.
Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla, who was the guest of honor of the ceremonies, also expressed his sympathy and condolences to the families of the Fallen 44, as he hoped that justice will be served.