PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., on Friday, cited the heroism of a Bataan policeman who was shot dead while involved in an anti-narcotics operation in Orion municipality as he presented a posthumous award to the slain cop’s widow during a visit.

The top cop, accompanied by Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 director, Brigadier Gen. Jose S. Hidalgo Jr., visited the wake of the late Police Corporal Darnel Alfonso and talked to the latter’s wife and other family members after paying his last respect to the fallen officer.

Alfonso, a member of the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Bataan Police Provincial Office (PPO), was shot dead by one of two slain armed drug traffickers during a buy-bust operation in Purok 8 in Barangay General Lim in Orion municipality on Tuesday.

The PNP chief also presented the posthumous PNP “Medalya ng Kadakilaan,” or PNP Heroism Medal to Alfonso’s grieving mother.

“We pay tribute to the exemplary service and sacrifice of Police Corporal Darnel Alfonso. His commitment to his duty is an inspiration to us all,” said Acorda as he extended the entire PNP’s deepest condolences to the Alfonso family and assured them that the PNP stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time.

Acorda also visited Major Dennis Duran in their hospital bed, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Bataan PPO’s PIU, and Staff Sergeant Glenn Salac, who were wounded during the gunbattle with the two suspects.

The PNP chief awarded the “Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting” to Duran and Salac for their “courageous actions” during the said operation.

He also handed over financial assistance to the Alfonso family and the two wounded police officers.

“We are committed to providing assistance and ensuring the well-being of our personnel in times of need. We stand united in our commitment and dedication to (enforcing) the law while upholding peace and security throughout the nation,” Acorda said.

The three were among the Bataan policemen who conducted the sting at 1 a.m. last Tuesday. One of the suspects shot Alfonso and died while being rushed to a hospital.

One of the drug suspects was killed during an ensuing gunbattle with colleagues of Alfonso.

The PNP assured the orphaned family of Alfonso of the immediate release of all financial assistance and benefits due him, said PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief Brig. Gen. Redrico A. Maranan.

The official added that Acorda had ordered the PRO3 leadership to provide for all the medical needs of the two wounded officers until their full recovery.

“The PNP will not be daunted by this temporary setback. Rather we will emerge stronger and more inspired by the heroic death of Cpl. Alfonso, who courageously came face-to-face with the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice while performing his duty,” said Maranan.