By Philippine National Police
In a poignant display of leadership and compassion, Gen. Eleazar P. Matta, Director of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG), continues to honor the sacrifices of his personnel following a deadly anti-drug operation in Mindanao on November 15, 2024 (Friday).
On November 16 (Saturday), PBGen. Matta began his day with a visit to the PNP-DEG Special Operations Unit (SOU) BARMM Headquarters in Cotabato City at 6:00 AM to pay his respects to Patrolwoman Roselyn Bulias, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty. She was killed while engaging armed suspects during the high-stakes operation targeting a major drug syndicate.
Later that morning, at 8:00 AM, PBGen. Matta, accompanied by PBGen. Romeo Juan Macapaz, Regional Director of Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, facilitated the transport of Patrolwoman Bulias’ remains to her hometown in Tawi-Tawi. He extended financial and burial assistance to her grieving family, underscoring the PNP’s commitment to its fallen heroes.
PBGen. Matta also visited two wounded officers. At 10:30 AM, he went to Notre Dame Medical Center in Cotabato City to provide financial assistance to Patrolman Jonel Ramos, who remains in the ICU with critical injuries sustained during the same operation. At 11:00 AM, he returned to the PNP-DEG SOU BARMM Headquarters to check on Patrolman Eddie Sugarol, offering financial aid for his medication and ongoing treatment.
On Sunday, PBGen. Matta revisited Police Corporal Kurt Sipin’s wake at his residence in Libungan, South Cotabato, to ensure that all burial arrangements were in order as well as to provide additional support to his grieving family. Corporal Sipin, like Patrolwoman Bulias, gave his life in service during the operation. PBGen. Matta also personally extended financial and burial assistance to the bereaved Sipin family, reaffirming the PNP’s unwavering support in their time of loss.
Beyond his personal contributions, PBGen. Matta conveyed the additional support from the Chief of the Philippine National Police, PGen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, which included full coverage of burial expenses for Patrolwoman Bulias and Police Corporal Sipin, as well as financial assistance to their families and the injured officers.
The November 15 operation, conducted by the PNP-DEG Special Operations Unit 15 with reinforcement from the Philippine Army’s 6th Mechanized Battalion, dismantled a major drug syndicate in Mindanao. The joint operation led to the seizure of 1,000 grams of shabu worth ₱6.8 million and the arrest of two suspects. However, the mission came at a high cost, with two PNP operatives losing their lives and two others injured.
PBGen. Matta expressed his profound respect for the bravery and sacrifice of his personnel, emphasizing the PNP’s unwavering commitment to its mission.
“The sacrifice of these brave men and women reflects the true spirit of service and dedication to our nation. We mourn the loss of our heroes, but stand united in our mission to continue the fight against illegal drugs. Justice will be served, and the PNP will provide unwavering support to the families of our fallen comrades,” PBGen. Matta said.
This tragic yet heroic episode underscores the relentless efforts of the PNP-DEG in combatting the illegal drug trade and protecting the Filipino people. PBGen. Matta assured the public that the PNP will remain steadfast in its commitment to justice and public safety, honoring the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. (PR)