PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lieutenant General Archie Gamboa said he has recommended the highest award, Medalya ng Kadakilaan (heroism medal), for the policeman who died in a grenade explosion in Initao College in Misamis Oriental.

Gamboa visited the wake of Police Senior Master Sergeant Jason Magno on Sunday, December 1.

Magno died trying to protect civilians when a man brandishing a grenade ran amok inside Initao College on Thursday, November 28, 2019.

He was a trained Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialist who was among the first to respond to the incident and tried to disarm the suspect.

The suspect was also killed.

Gamboa said the PNP is recommending to give the posthumous award of Medalya ng Kadakilaan to Magno in recognition of his heroic death.

The PNP earlier said the bereaved family of Magno will receive over P600,000 worth of benefits from the government.

Gamboa also visited Senior Master Sergeant Alice Balido, who is currently being treated in the hospital due to injuries she obtained during the explosion.

Balido was awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP wounded medal). (SunStar Philippines)