THE Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 assured the family of SPO1 Roderick Balili that they will receive all of his benefits following the police officer’s burial in the Pardo Public Cemetery yesterday.

Balili was killed in what police described as an accidental firing during a surveillance of a drug personality in Pinamungajan, Cebu. Aside from his family, his fellow operatives from the PRO 7 were also present during the burial ceremony.

Balili was given full police honors, with a 21-gun salute. A Philippine flag placed on his casket and turned over to his widow after the ceremony.

Those who attended Balili’s burial were emotional, especially his siblings and wife, who cried when she received the flag symbolizing the officer’s service to the police organization.

Senior Supt. Ronald Lee, chief of the directorial staff of the PRO 7 who represented Chief Supt. Debold Sinas, and the other officials from the regional headquarters, extended their condolences to the grieving family.

Lee said the release of the benefits for Balili’s family is now being processed.

“Lahat naman yun, yung sa mga kanyang benepisyo katulad noong sa kanyang ang pamilya niya magkakaroon din nga pension at maliban doon sa basic nga ibibigay ng Philippine National Police sa kanyang pagkamatay dahil in the line of duty yung kanyang pagkamatay habang siya ay nasa trabaho so maibibigay lahat ng full benefits sa kanya (The family will receive all the benefits due them as Balili died performing his job),” he said.

The PRO 7 has denied allegations that Balili was part of the ambush of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 7 Agent Von Rian Tecson in Carcar City. Despite the accusations, Lee said, the police willl continue doing their jobs. (JOB with HBL of Superbalita)