PNP gives 18 Victoria cops Heroism Award for turning back NPA attack

April 1, 2019

The 18 police officers from Victoria Municipal Police Station in Northern Samar on Monday received the Philippine National Police (PNP) Heroism Award for repulsing an attack by the NPA rebels last week.

Police General Oscar Albayalde, the PNP head, said this award is in recognition of their individual acts of courage and heroism against an overly superior number of enemy, thus living up to the undying battlecry of the police service.

“Always outnumbered, but never outfought,” Albayalde said in a press briefing.

Those who received the Medalya ng Kadakilaan or Heroism Medal are Police Lieutenant Eladio Alo, officer-in-charge of the Victoria Municipal Station; Police Chief Master Sergeants Aimee Lutze Cadiente and Marlon Ordonia; Police Senior Master Sergeant Arturo Gordo Jr.; Police Master Sergeant Arnold Cabacang, Police Staff Sergeants Ramil Ramosa, Raul Francisco Jr. and Brande Esquilon; Police Corporals Bryan Ed Penaflor, Jaykarl Laurio, Eddie Edwin Diaz, Tracy Silagan and Jake Salesa; and Patrolmen Ronnel Goco, Marlon Estopagian, Errol Montopar, Geral Casyao and Jhonar Cris Bernadas.

Meanwhile, Gordo and Cabacang received a separate Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting or the PNP Wounded Personnel Medal.

“This showed that our police officers are always ready which is a very good example,” said Albayalde.

Albayalde said they will deliberate if the 18 police personnel will be promoted.

“There will be a deliberation. There is a recommendation coming from the regional headquarters,” he said.

It can be recalled that around 50 communist rebels attacked Victoria Municipal Police Station last week that resulted in the death of three rebels and capture of a 18-year-old man.

Albayalde also honored Patrolman Wilfredo Padawil of the 1502nd Maneuver Company of the 15th Regional Mobile Force Battalion of Cordillera who were killed in an encounter with rebels in Bauko, Moutain Province happened last week.

“Even as we honor these fine gentlemen from Northern Samar for their bravery, we likewise honor Patrolman Wilfredo Padawil of the 1502nd Maneuver Company of the 15th Regional Mobile Force Battalion of Cordillera for offering the supreme sacrifice in the service to our country and people during an encounter in Bauko Mt. Province last March 29, 2019 that also wounded Police Corporal Eirphil Lapniten,” he said.

The PNP believes these attacks by members of the New People’s Army is related to their 50th anniversary. Ella Dionisio/DMS