3 cops promoted for nabbing bomber

From The Standard (May 21): 3 cops promoted for nabbing bomber

The National Police Commission has approved the special promotion of three police officers who arrested the suspect in the Valentine’s Day bombing in Makati City in 2005 that killed four persons and wounded 60 others.
 
Napolcom vice chairman and Executive Officer Rogelio Casurao said SPO1 Sebastian De Leon, PO3 Rolando Maximo and PO2 Pedro Silva Jr., all members of the Special Task Team, investigated and conducted the manhunt against Gappal Hannah, alias Boy Negro, a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group who claimed responsibility for the bombing of the RRCG bus at the intersection of Edsa and Ayala Avenue on Feb. 14, 2005.

After two weeks of intelligence operations, the team of De Leon, Maximo and Silva traced the whereabouts of Boy Negro in Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

The policemen immediately coordinated with barangay officials of Libmanan and disguised as village watchmen proceeded to the hideout of their target. The suspect did not resist arrest when apprehended on March 3, 2005.

“The commission approved the special promotion to the next higher rank of SPO1 De Leon, PO3 Maximo and PO2 Silva after it meticulously validated their bravery following the recommendations made by the Philippine National Police - Special Promotion, Awards and  Decorations Board,” Casurao said.

Special promotions are granted to any member of the PNP for acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry at the risk of his/her life above and beyond the call of duty pursuant to Section 38 (b) of Republic Act No. 6975, as amended by Section 33 (b) of Republic Act No. 8551.

Thirty minutes after the Makati City blast, the Abu Sayyaf Group through its spokesperson, Abu Sulaiman, claimed responsibility, saying the attack was a “Valentines gift” to then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/206166/3-cops-promoted-for-nabbing-bomber.html