DAVAO CITY – The eight members of the Police Regional Office (PRO 11) Explosive Ordnance Division were awarded with Medalya ng Kagalingan on Monday for their support during the government’s campaign against the Maute terrorists in Marawi City.
Chief Insp. Andrea Dela Cerna, spokesperson for PRO 11, identified the awardees as SPO3 Yolindo Singson, SPO3 Joel Pardillo Mancia, SPO3 Delson Jun Carillo Pajota, SPO1 Kevin Indino King, and Walter Lee Dumayas Melodias, PO3 Jeffrey Olivar Magdirila, PO2 Jhonmer Saavedra Aclo, and PO2 Jose Asupra Raut.
Dela Cerna said the eight personnel assisted the operating troops in Marawi by means of clearing the area from unexploded explosive ordnance and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
She said their deployment lasted for one month and 22 days in the main battle area in Marawi city.
Medalya ng Kagalingan is awarded to a member of the Philippine National Police for a single act of heroism or a series of heroic acts in a duty responsibility.
“Their exceptional dedication to duty and self-sacrifice greatly contributed to the PNP organization,” dela Cerna said.
Meanwhile, a total of 64 highly-skilled police officers completed the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) advance course who graduated Monday.
Dela Cerna said the SWAT officers would serve as tactical support component with their skills in dealing with threats and handle the situation that are beyond the capability of conventional police personnel.
The highlight of the event featured an exhibition and operational readiness to counter terrorism, criminality, and other security threats to public safety.
The graduates started training last August 10 to further improve their skills and competence to address security challenges. (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)
