By Alexandria Dennise San Juan
Four rookie police officers of Quezon City Police District were awarded by the National Capital Region Police Office medals for their "bravery and courage" in police operations, amid issues of some rogue policemen involved in illegal activities.
QCPD
NCRPO Director Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar and QCPD Director Chief Superintendent Joselito Esquivel Jr. led the awarding ceremony at the QCPD Headquarters in Camp Karingal, Thursday morning.
QCPD-Galas Police Station (PS-11) personnel PO1 Florjoe Padilla and PO1 Richard Abuan were given the Medals of Merit for their successful follow-up operation after a robbery-snatching incident last August 5.
Report showed that the victim sought help from the two policemen who happened to pass by in the area after suspect identified as Alexis Santiago robbed his phone while waiting for her companion near a drug store on the corner of EDSA and Kamuning Road.
Policemen scoured the area and when they spotted the suspect, a shootout ensued which injured Santiago eventually resulting in his arrest.
Stolen items from the victim were also recovered.
A PNP Medal of Merit or "Medalya Ng Kagalingan" was awarded to PO1 James Patrick Castillo of QCPD-Fairview Police Station (PS-5) for a successful anti-illegal drug operation onMay 29 along Republic Avenue corner Regalado Extension in Barangay Greater Fairview.
Castillo acted as the poseur-buyer during the deal which was noticed by the suspects who opened fire and hit him on his chest but was saved by his body armor.
Policemen retaliated resulting in the death of two drug suspects.
Meanwhile, PO1 Jonathan Peralta of QCPD-Talipapa Police Station (PS-3) received the PNP Wounded Personnel Medal or the "Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting" for displaying bravery and courage also during an anti-illlegal drug operation last July 27.
Peralta was shot on his back when the drug suspect opened fire to police officers conducting a drug sting along Incinerator Street, in Barangay Bahay Toro.
The drug suspect was eventually arrested.
During the awarding ceremony, Eleazar said this was also the celebration of the goodness of members in the police force, as well as the essence of their existence as policemen.
"Today, we show the world we are here to serve and protect without fear or favor," Eleazar said.
The NCRPO chief also said that the PNP organization continuously implements a reward and punishment system, wherein admirable performance will be commended, and misbehavior will be punished.
"Punish the bad and award for the good policeman. Police can be very good if they want to be good," he added.
Eleazar also said that his frustrations on the recent involvement of cops in illegal activities faded because of the performance of the four rookie policemen, showing that there are still good and brave officers in NCRPO.
"Let these four PO1s inspire all young policemen to do as they have done. Let these four young men continue the revolution of a new culture in the organization -- a culture of pride in one's uniform, a culture of self-respect, a culture of service & even sacrifice," he stated.
With the continuous internal cleansing of the PNP, Eleazar called on the public to still report police scalawags in the police force and not to tolerate their unlawful activity.