CEBU CITY – At least 300 personnel from the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) were recognized for their roles in the emergency response operations in the earthquake-stricken northern Cebu province.
They were among those deployed for rescue, retrieval, and recovery operations following the massive 6.9-magnitude earthquake on Sept. 30.
Each policeman was awarded with “Medalya ng Pagtulong sa Nasalanta" or the PNP Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Medal.
Also recognized were personnel from other government agencies.
Present during the awarding ceremony were Department of Social Welfare and Development-Central Visayas Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, Office of the Civil Defense Director Joel Erestain, and Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro.
Personnel of the Armed Forces-Visayas Command, Philippine Navy, and Bureau of Fire Protection were also recognized.
Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, chief of PRO-7, commended the awardees for serving as first responders when the disaster struck, leaving at least 70 dead.
"To the men and women of the hour, to all the heroes na nandito sa harap natin ngayon, hindi namin magagawa ito without your unwavering support and of course your dedication to your sworn duties. You have shown a selfless dedicated service to the people of Cebu," Maranan said.
The awarding ceremony ended with a boodle fight.