PNP mourns death of cop who died in road crash after SONA duty
photo: PNP
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed grief over the death of police officer who died in a road crash while on his way home after completing a security deployment for the 5th State of the Nation Address of President Marcos on Monday, July 27.
Patrolman Allan Chris Heredero, 33, was riding his motorcycle on his way home when the road crash occurred at around 2 a.m. Tuesday, July 28 along C3 Road in Barangay 22, Caloocan City.
Heredero, assigned to the Administrative Holding Unit–Regional Mobile Force Battalion (AHU-RMFB) of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), was among the more than 21,000 policemen who were tapped to secure the SONA on Monday.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. expressed his condolences to the family of the fallen police officer and assured them that the PNP would stand by them during this difficult time.
“We mourn the untimely passing of our police officer, who served with dedication during the SONA security operations. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and we will ensure that they receive the assistance and benefits due to them,” said Nartatez.
Initial reports showed that the truck driver claimed he was unaware that the motorcycle was beside his vehicle after the traffic light turned green. The truck driver is now under the custody of the Caloocan City Police and is expected to face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property.
Nartatez said the PNP has ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that the Caloocan City Police was already tasked to gather CCTV footage, witness statements, and other evidence.
He also instructed the NCRPO to extend immediate assistance to the family of the fallen officer, including the processing of death benefits, financial assistance, and psychosocial support.
Nartatez also reminded police commanders to continue looking after the welfare of personnel assigned to extended security operations, “I thank every police officer who continues to serve despite the demands of the job. While our mission requires sacrifice, your safety and well-being remain a priority.”
“I remind all commanders to look after the welfare of their personnel and ensure that operational readiness is matched with proper care for our officers,” he added.