PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil presents a plaque of recognition to one of the two police officers who swiftly responded to a robbery in Las Piñas City on June 20, 2024. NCRPO PIO PHOTO
By Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon
Two policemen assigned to the Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit (TMRU) from the Las Piñas City Police Station were recognized for their swift and brave response, which resulted in the neutralization of an armed robber in Las Piñas City recently.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced on Friday that both Master Sergeants Avelino Lopez and Bong Panton were honored with the Medal of Valor, Medal of Merit and the PNP Wounded Personnel Medal by the top officials from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil personally presented the awards to the two police officers, who are currently recovering in the hospital.
Last Thursday, Lopez and Panton responded a robbery incident that occurred inside the Olivarez Guevarra Subdivision in Barangay Manuyo Dos just after noon on Thursday.
The investigation disclosed that the suspect had scaled a compound wall within the subdivision. Upon entering, he confronted and physically attacked a resident, resulting in a violent altercation.
During the encounter, the suspect managed to grab the resident’s 9-mm Parabellum pistol and then fled on foot. The victim sought assistance from TMRU officers patrolling the vicinity.
The two officers swiftly pursued the suspect, who attempted to escape by firing at them. In the ensuing gunfight, the suspect was fatally shot by the responding cops.
Both Lopez and Panton sustained gunshot wounds to their legs during the encounter. They were promptly transported to the Las Piñas Doctors Hospital, where they received medical care and are now in stable condition.
The NCRPO chief lauded the officers for their bravery in confronting armed threats, noting that their courage was truly commendable.
Nartatez stressed that the NCRPO remains dedicated to intensifying its anti-criminality operations, ensuring that law enforcement continues to be both proactive and responsive to any threats posed by lawbreakers.