POLICE Regional Office Cordillera Director Rolando Nana personally awarded Senior Police Officer (SPO) 2 Noren Bandao in a hospital the “Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting” or the Wounded Personnel Award after successfully foiling a robbery attempt at Windy Hill, Upper Buyagan, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Bandao was responding to a call for police assistance by his neighbor who complained about a robber who was stealing her bag using a bamboo stick and inserted through the window.

Upon SPO2 Bandao’s response and in the process of arresting the suspect, Jonathan Mayangao Cabradilla fired and hit the cop on his jaw causing him to feel dizzy, he was able to return fire before losing his consciousness.

The officer’s courageous action and bravery, at the risk his own life, resulted in the neutralization of Cabradilla, of Irisan, Baguio City, and the leader of Cabradilla Robbery Group operating nationwide.

The suspect was previously arrested in Cotabato for robbery with force upon things, and in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya and La Trinidad for Robbery.

Investigation further revealed the suspect had been using fictitious names as Jemark Isong Lipangen, aka Jomar Pagang Mayangao.

Bandao was initially brought to Benguet General Hospital by concerned citizens, and was later transferred to another hospital for further treatment.

At present, SPO2 Bandao is waiting for an operation to remove the bullet embedded in his body, while the suspect’s remains was already brought to his hometown in Bauko, Mountain Province.

An initial cash assistance to help defray the hospital expenses of SPO2 Bandao will also be given.

“The PNP will continue to sustain the momentum and gains in the fight against all forms of lawlessness, in order to have a safer place to live and do business. This is a living testament that the police performs its mandate to serve and protect no matter what it costs and no matter what it takes,” Director Nana stated.