By Edwin Fernandez/Philippine News Agency
COTABATO CITY — A town chief of police and 11 police personnel received the “Medalya ng Kagalingan” earlier this week for an operation that resulted in the arrest of three communist guerrillas.
Capt. Bernard Abarquez, chief of the Antipas police station, vowed Thursday to be more pro-active in law enforcement to ensure the safety of communities and to strengthen public trust on law enforcers.
Abarquez and 11 other policemen in the town were recognized Monday for the clearing operation on March 5, 2019 in Barangay Malatab, Antipas, that resulted in the arrest of three New Peoples’ Army (NPA) rebels and the recovery of one .357-caliber handgun, several improvised firearms and ammunition.
The other police medal recipients were Executive M/Sgt. Michael Aguasa Mapandi, M/Sgt. Jay Loquinario Canto, S/Sergeants Zalavy Shariff Jubilan Moreno, Melinda Caminero Dela Torre, and Arly Trespuentes Armada Jr.; Corporals Diosdado Espiritu Fontanilla Jr., Rembert Sumugat, Jeriel Prologo Catipay, Milo Cuyong Pagulong, and Demelyn Bernal Pagulong; and Patrolman Ian Aldous Biore Maugin.
“This is an honor for the people of Antipas, we as your law enforcers will continue to serve you day in day out so you can sleep soundly while we perform our duties,” Abarquez said.
Monday’s awarding ceremony was held at the Police Regional Office-12 headquarters in General Santos City.
Abarquez also recognized the participation of the Philippine Army in the successful law enforcement in the town of Antipas.
NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
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