POLICE Regional Office Cordillera (PRO-COR) regional director Chief Superintendent Rolando Nana is set to award today, July 17, the Medalya ng sugatang magiting (PNP Wounded Personnel Medal) to Senior Police Officer 2 Noren Bandao who sustained injuries after an encounter with a top robbery gang leader on July 15.

Bandao was shot in the mouth after attempting to arrest Jonathan Mayangao, 35, Cabradilla from Bauko, Mountain Province, who was breaking into one of the houses at Windy Hill, Upper Buyagan in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Police reports reveal Cabradilla is a leader of a robbery group operating nationwide.

The suspect was previously arrested in Cotabato, Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, and La Trinidad for cases of robbery.

Bandao who is assigned in Sayangan Atok Municipal Police Station will receive the award for having been wounded in action as a direct result of an act of the enemy.

PRO-COR confirmed Police Officer Bandao is currently stable.

Responding Scene of the Crime Operatives personnel were also able to retrieve a caliber 9mm revolver at the crime scene.