Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) director Maj. Gen. Bernard Banac awards on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, the PNP Wounded Personnel Medal to one of the two police commandos who were wounded in a gun battle with a fugitive man wanted for multiple counts of murder in Ganasi, Lanao del Sur. The awarding was held at the Amai Pakpak Hospital in Marawi City. (photo: PNP-SAF)
Two members of the police’s elite Special Action Force (SAF) were awarded on Thursday, Nov. 30, for gallantry when they helped neutralize a fugitive wanted for murder charges following a shootout in Ganasi, Lanao del Sur.
SAF director Police Maj. Gen. Bernard M. Banac said he personally awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP Wounded Personnel Medal) to the two wounded police commandos during the country’s commemoration of Bonifacio Day to highlight their bravery.
Those awarded were Police Lt. Eimiel Jann N. Obiena and Police Corporal Richard C. Preciados, both assigned with the 1st Special Action Battalion.
“The wounded SAF troopers were cited for conspicuous courage and bravery with great risk of life against the suspect who opened fire at the arresting team in Barangay Bagoaingod, Ganasi, Lanao del Sur triggering a 2-hour stand-off that ended with the death of the suspect,” said Banac.
Banac said the two police commandos were wounded after engaging Lumbayan Dubar Macaayong in a gun battle in Barangay Bagoaingod, Ganasi, Lanao del Sur during a two-hour stand off when a SAF team served an arrest warrant against him.
Macaayong, who carried the alias Lastikman, was wanted for four counts of Murder, three counts of Frustrated Murder and Attempted Murder.
He died during the shootout. The SAF team recovered an M16A1 rifle and six magazines with bullets.
Obiena and Preciados were taken to the Amai Pakpak Hospital in Marawi City where they were awarded with the medal.