Growing up in a middle-class family, Alan Caumeran and his siblings were taught about valuing modesty in luxury and luxury in modesty.
The second child in a brood of four, he recalled how their father, who was in the Army, and their mother made sure they were provided for but didn’t become greedy.
Back then, these lessons were tested in returning loose change, not cheating on exams, and telling their mother who had broken her favorite cup.
These lessons were kept by little Alan in his heart and mind, and helped fuel his dream of becoming an officer.
“I have always wanted to become a police officer. I have always admired police work, especially in the field of investigation,” he told SunStar Cebu.
Alan received his Bachelor of Laws degree in March 2005. He entered the Philippine National Police six months later.
He eventually became a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics team of the Cebu City Police Office from 2010 to 2013.
He has since made his way up and is now SPO1 Alan to colleagues and strangers alike.
For the past four years, Alan has been working at the Mabolo Police Station under the command of Police Chief Insp. Clark Arriola.
Alan’s job as a police officer has made him face countless life-threatening situations.
But the toughest one to date did not involve an exchange of bullets and a full combat gear.
Instead, it had Alan looking into the depths of his roots and standing firm on the values taught to him by his parents.
Last month, personnel of the Mabolo Police Station found themselves in a situation where their honesty and integrity was tested by a fellow policeman.
They were offered P50,000 from retired SPO3 Antonio Tabug in exchange for the freedom of his friend, who was caught for a drug-related offense.
The station’s personnel refused the offer.
It was Alan who reported the alleged bribery to his station commander.
This act of integrity and valor earned him Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s respect and for that, he was recognized as one of the recipients of the Mayor’s Special Award during the City Government’ 81st Charter Day celebration last Saturday.
The commendation, though, came as a pleasant surprise for the police officer. Caumeran emphasized that the accomplishment was a team effort. It was his idea to launch the entrapment, but his fellow officers helped implement it.
For him, what they did was just be honest public servants and people of principle.
“Honesty has always been the hardest virtue amongst men. It only becomes hard if you have self interest in everything you do. But if your intention is what is best for everyone, honesty will come out naturally,” he said.
Alan said he has passed on to his children the lessons he grew up with. He also encouraged others to live a life of honesty.
“Just be honest in everything you think, do and say. It won’t bring you harm or lose anything, but instead help you gain everything.”