THE Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) graduates assigned in Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Visayas took center stage during the 117th Police Service Anniversary Celebration on Thursday morning, September 27, after they took most of the individual and unit awards.

Senior Superintendent Joel Doria of PNPA Class 1992 was adjudged as the Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Operations.

Senior Superintendent Royina Garma of PNPA Class 1997, who is the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director received the Best City Police Office Award in behalf of CCPO.

PNPA alumni call themselves as Lakans and Lakambinis.

Senior Superintendent Angeles Genorga of PNPA Class 1993 accepted the Best Provincial Police Office Award in behalf of the Bohol Police Provincial Office.

The awarding was held in Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr., the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas headquarters in Cebu City with Police Deputy Director General Archie Francisco Gamboa as the Guest of honor and speaker.

CCPO under Garma also received the Best Police Strategy Management Unit, Best Human Rights Office and Best Women and Children Protection Unit awards. Superintendent Carlito Apilat of Class 2005 also received in behalf of his unit the Best City Police Mobile Force Company

Award, while Superintendent Christopher Navida of Class 2006 received a special award for his enormous contributions in the war against illegal drugs.

Chief Inspector Maria Theresa Macatangay of PNPA Class 2007 and the CCPO-Station 2 commander received the award for the Best City Police Station in behalf of her unit. Her classmate, Chief Inspector Gerard Ace Pelare of Consolacion Municipal Police Station was adjudged as the Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer for Operations. He also received the award for Best Municipal Police Station in behalf of his unit.

The graduates of the PNPA are now occupying sensitive positions in the PNP, BJMP and BFP. Their contributions in peace and order and security especially in the government's war against illegal drugs have been instrumental in the recent success of the program.

"We are encouraging all Lakans in Central Visayas to remain steadfast in the dangerous frontlines in the fight against illegal drugs. Their sworn duties must be upheld at all times in accordance with the constitution and existing laws even in the face of danger. Let us support the President in his fight to finally end illegal drugs in the country", said Senior Superintendent Angelito Dumangeng, the PRO-Central Visayas deputy director. (KAL/ With PR)