Heroic medals for Marikina cop in arresting ex-ABB member
PHILIPPINE National Police chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil on Friday pinned two medals on a member of the Marikina City Police Station who was seriously wounded while trying to arrest a former commander of the New People’s Army’s breakaway group called Alex Boncayao Brigade who was wanted for two counts of murder last February 2.
Police Chief Master Sergeant Deogracias N. Basang got the PNP Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) and Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP Wounded Medal) from the top cop during ceremonies held at the latter’s room at the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame.
Gen. Marbil visited the policeman who suffered a broken pelvic bone after being struck by a vehicle being driven by the wanted suspect-turned-nominee of the Magsasaka party-list, Lejun dela Cruz who had a non-bailable warrant for two counts of murder issued by a Las Piñas City Regional Trial court on April 27, 2018.
The PNP chief cited the extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment to duty of PCMS Basang who was among the members of a team of Marikina City policemen who tried to arrest Dela Cruz on Sunday last week in Cainta, Rizal.
However, after sensing the presence of the lawmen, the suspect attempted to flee in his vehicle after drawing a firearm. He later struck PCMS Basang and hit two other motor vehicles during the chase.
“Despite the injury, PCMS Basang demonstrated remarkable courage and continued in the operation, which ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest. His actions above and beyond the call of duty exemplify the highest standards of service and dedication expected of the PNP personnel,” said a PNP statement.
The PNP Medalya ng Kadakilaan was awarded to PCMS Basang for his exceptional heroism above and beyond the call of duty while he received the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting in recognition of the injuries he sustained while protecting the public and upholding the law, said PNP Public Information Office chief, Colonel Randulf T. Tuaño.
During the awarding ceremony, Gen. Marbil said Basang’s selfless acts of courage exemplify the very essence of service to the nation.
“His bravery in the face of danger and his dedication to the PNP mission serve as an inspiration to all our personnel. We honor him today not just for his individual achievements but for his contribution to the entire Philippine National Police,” said the PNP chief as he underscored anew the invaluable role police officers play in safeguarding the nation and its citizens. The Philippine National Police remains steadfast in its mission to maintain public trust, ensure the safety of all Filipinos, and hold its personnel to the highest standards of service.
PNP spokesperson, Brigadier Gen. Jean S. Fajardo and Eastern Police District director, Col. Villamor Q. Tuliao earlier denied reports peddled by the camp of Dela Cruz and other militant groups that a group of policemen ‘ambushed’ the latter before being beaten for some three hours.
“There’s no truth to those claims. What happened is that when he (Dela Cruz) noticed the presence of the policemen about to arrest him, he ran to his vehicle, fired shots at the officers and drove away prompting the lawmen to give chase,” Brig. Gen. Fajardo said.
The PNP spokesperson said that while fleeing, the suspect’s car rammed four motor vehicles and a motorcycle before he was cornered and subdued by the pursuing officers.
An unlicensed caliber .45 semi-automatic pistol was recovered from the suspect, she added.
“There’s no truth to reports that there was an assassination attempt. On the contrary, siya po ang naunangnagpapautok, nanagasa, at may pulis na may fractured pelvic as a result,” Brig. Gen. Fajardo said.
The official said the policemen who were sent to arrest the suspect were in civilian clothes simply because they had to go undercover to catch their prey. Uniformed policemen however were sent as ‘back-ups’ to the team, the PNP spokesperson said.
Brig. Gen. Fajardo said that as a result of his actions, Dela Cruz was charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013, frustrated homicide, multiple malicious mischiefs, and violation of the Omnibus Election Code or gun ban.
She described the suspect as a former ABB member allegedly involved in gun-for-hire activities.
“We are appealing to others who are facing warrants of arrest to respect our police officers. Sagutin na lang nila sa tamang proseso ang lahat,” she said.
The lawyer of Dela Cruz earlier said they have found him after he went missing last Sunday after visiting a friend in Cainta, Rizal.
The lawyer said that while about to leave the place, a motorcycle-riding man shot Dela Cruz twice prompting him to step on the gas while being chased by several men riding on motorcycles and a car.
The man was later cornered and handcuffed in Manggahan, Pasig City and, according to his lawyer, was beaten for almost three hours.
The wanted murder suspect’s supporters said it could be politically motivated and a way to harass them.
