Cops who neutralized ex-village dad for killing vendor feted
CEBU CITY – The Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) on Monday recognized the assault team who neutralized a former barangay official for killing a vendor in a high-risk operation in San Fernando, Cebu on Saturday, March 21.
The Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) was awarded to Police Capt. Rodney Bantolo, Police Master Sgt. Patrocinio Apura III, Police Staff Sgt. Arniel Cañamo, Police Staff Sgt. Mark Chester Mabale, Police Staff Sgt. Raul Manango, Police Staff Sgt. John Rolan Mesia, Police Corporal Jeff Ryle Bonghanoy, Police Corporal Reyner Delposo, and Police Patrolman Dino Martorillas.
The awardees from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) pursued Jay Castañares who allegedly fatally shot a vendor in Barangay Greenhills. The suspect was killed in a shootout.
Also awarded was another RMFB-7 operative, Police Patrolman Kim Ceniza Villaraiza, who was wounded in the chest during the shootout.
Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the awardees displayed professionalism, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the mission of protecting the public.
“These recognitions reflect the courage, discipline, and operational excellence of our personnel who continue to put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our communities. Their actions embody the highest ideals of police service and serve as an inspiration to the entire organization,” Maranan said during the flag-raising ceremony on Monday, March 23, at the PRO-7 headquarters here.