THE Philippine National Police (PNP) awarded medals on Monday, April 1, to 18 personnel of the Victoria Municipal Police Station in Northern Samar who successfully repulsed the attack staged by communist rebels last week.

PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde conferred, during the flag ceremony in Camp Crame, the Heroism Medal to Police Lieutenant Eladio Alo, chief of the Victoria Municipal Police Station; Chief Master Sergeants Aimee Lutze Cadiente and Marlon Ordonia; Senior Master Sergeant Arturo Gordo Jr.; Master Sergeant Arnold Cabacang; Staff Sergeants Ramil Ramosa, Raul Francisco Jr. and Brande Esquilon; Corporals Bryan Ed Peñaflor, Jaykarl Laurio, Eddie Edwin Diaz, Tracy Silagan and Jake Salesa; and Patrolmen Ronnel Goco, Marlon Estropigan, Errol Montopair, Geral Casyao, and Jhonar Cris Bernadas.

Alo, who led the police awardees, was accompanied by Eastern Visayas Police Director Dionardo Carlos.

Gordo and Cabacang, who even have bandages on their faces due to the injuries they sustained during the encounter last March 28, also received Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting.

The recognition was given for the policemen's “bravery in successfully defending their station from the attack of communist terrorists early dawn on March 28,” said Albayalde.

The encounter happened around 3:30 a.m. Thursday, March 28, when at least 50 New People’s Army (NPA) attacked the Victoria Municipal Police Station.

Three NPA rebels were killed, while one was arrested.

READ: 4 civilians hurt in another Northern Samar attack

Police also seized from the rebels one MK2 grenade, one rifle grenade pin, three 40 MM, one improvised explosive device, and one sack containing food packs.

Albayalde said the PNP will also recommend before the regional headquarters the promotion of the 18 policemen. (With Ronald O. Reyes/SunStar Philippines)