15 policemen get medals

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 22, 2019): 15 policemen get medals

The Police Regional Office 6 yesterday recognized and honored 15 police personnel responsible for the arrest of eight alleged members of the New People’s Army that also resulted in the confiscation of several firearms and explosives in Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

PBrig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, regional police director of Western Visayas, assisted by PCol. Romeo Baleros, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, led the awarding of Medalya ng Kagalingan to outstanding police personnel during the flag raising ceremony held at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City.

The awardees were PLt. Col. Arnel Solis, commander of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of NOCPPO, PMaj. Gil John Despi, Escalante City police officer-in-charge, Chief Master Sgt. Esperidion Canillo Jr., PMSgt. Jester Minguez, PSSgts. John Candelario, and Romel Aguilar.

PCpls. Eric Ignacio, Nelson Marino Jr., Ronilo Jabaybay, Isamel Mag-alasin Jr., Alberto dela Cruz Jr., Glend Mahinay, Demetrio Gruta Brillantes and Xander Barrios, and Pat. Carl Mark Delfin.

Led by Solis, the 1st PMFC troopers were on border control operations in Brgy. Jonob-jonob, Escalante City, on Sept. 18, when they intercepted the suspects, who were on board a vehicle.

The apprehension also yielded six .45 caliber pistols with ammunition, a .38 caliber revolver with ammunition, a KG 9 automatic pistol also with live ammunition, three rifle grenades and 22 molotov bombs.

But the arrested suspects, in radio and television interviews, vehemently denied possession of those firearms and explosives.

“I expect that this will serve as an inspiration to all our personnel, not only in Negros Occidental, but in PRO 6 as a whole as well, because this is really a very good accomplishment, Pamuspusan said in his speech during the awarding rites.

Pamuspusan admitted that insurgency is a serious concern in Negros Island, noting that insurgents took advantage of the vulnerability of those living below the poverty threshold, and make them believe that the only way out of their deplorable situation is through armed struggle.

“Aside from our aggressive operations ISO (Internal Security Operations), we also need to strengthen our awareness advocacy,” Pamusmusan said, He also ordered the Police Community Affairs Section to reach out to families in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially those in the far-flung areas, to educate them on the deceitful propaganda of the CPP-NPA.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/October/22/topstory8.htm