Tributes were offered, and graves were blessed as members of the Marikina City Police Station (CPS) commemorated their fallen comrades on their 35th annual Memorial Day on Sunday morning, Sept. 11.
Rows of policemen and women gave their ceremonial salutations as officers of the Marikina CPS and esteemed guests laid wreaths beside the Marikina Police Memorial Monument at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City.
They prayed over the graves and blessed them with holy water.
Memorial Day served to “honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty, fulfilling their service in the protection and safety of the people of Marikina City.”
The commemoration also paid respects to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen uniformed personnel.
Col. Gerson Bisayas, the chief of police of the Marikina CPS, Col. Emmanuel Cordova, the chairman of this year’s Memorial Day committee, city councilors, department heads, the Civic Action Team, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and civil society organizations (CSOs) attended the event.
Col. Benliner Capili, the incumbent chief of the district directorial staff of the Eastern Police District (EPD) and a former chief-of-police of the Marikina CPS, came as the representative of EPD Director Col. Wilson Asueta.
Col. Jose Hidalgo Jr., the deputy regional director for administration of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), graced the event as the guest of honor on behalf of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
“On this momentous event, we remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation,” Hidalgo said.
“Ang kanilang kabayanihan ay magsisilbing hamon at inspirasyon sa bawat isa sa atin na nandito ngayon. Isang hamon na ipagpatuloy ang misyon para sa bayan at kaligtasan ng buong sambayanan sa kabila ng mga panganib at pagsubok (Their heroism serves as both a challenge and an inspiration to all of us here. We are called to fulfill our mission to our city, and ensure the safety of our society amid the dangers and trials we will face),” he added.
Joni Jocson, who attended the event as the representative of Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro, expressed her gratitude to the police force’s dedication to maintaining peace and order in the city.
“Naway ipagpatuloy natin ang mabuting paglilingkod at kaayusan sa siyudad ng Marikina. Saludo po kami sa inyo (Let us continue to serve well, and bring order to our city. We salute you),” she said.