TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine National Police Regional Office here has recognized the bravery of a junior police officer wounded while performing his duty.
PNP Regional Director, Chief Superintendent Gilbert Cruz, pinned the medal Tuesday on Police Officer 2 Frederick Samantilla of San Julian Municipal Police Station in Eastern Samar, who has been confined at a private hospital here.
Samantilla suffered gunshot wounds in the lower part of his abdomen after responding to a complaint of indiscriminate firing in Putong village, San Julian town on November 10. The suspect attacked the responding police officer with a homemade shotgun.
The police officer thanked the PNP for the recognition and hopes for the suspect’s immediate arrest.
“I ordered our personnel to prepare filing a case against the suspect,” Cruz told reporters.
Meanwhile, in Arteche, Eastern Samar, two soldiers who fought in Marawi City received commendation from the local government unit on Monday.
Arteche Mayor Roland Evardone led the awarding of commendation to Corporal Marlon Orsal and Private First Class Mark Anthony Pitalbo, both from the Army’s 82nd Reconnaissance Company of the 8th Infantry Division. They were deployed in Marawi City for almost five months.
The local government unit gave the certificates of commendation and PHP5,000 cash gift to the two soldiers.
“We are thankful to the soldiers who risked their lives so as we can live peacefully. You made us proud,” Evardone said in an interview.
In Borongan City, the provincial government recognized on November 9 the three soldiers from the province killed by the terrorist group during the siege in Marawi City.
Family members received the posthumous award for PFC Mark Anthony Moratal, PFC Marvin Abuda and PFC John Joseph Lara.
Their family also received PHP50,000 cash assistance from the provincial government.
Eastern Samar acting Governor Marcelino Picardal called the three soldiers as Marawi Heroes who gave their life protecting peace in our country and defending the rule of law in Mindanao. (PNA)
