SOME 279 police officers of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) received cash rewards from the Capitol for their successful operations against illegal drugs from January last year to October this year.
Among the recipients was PO2 Dennis Valiente of the Cordova Police Station. He was injured in a buy-bust in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City in August last year.
Valiente, who was off-duty that time, volunteered to serve as a decoy for anti-illegal drug operatives to arrest suspected drug pusher William Sumalinog.
Oplan Lawmen
Valiente was shot in the stomach, back and neck after Sumalinog engaged them in a shootout.
The cash rewards were given to police officers of 17 police stations under the CPPO and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency through Operation Lawmen, a reward and incentives program for law enforcers or members of anti-illegal drug units, which is mandated by Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The biggest amount was given to the Provincial Intelligence Branch, which received P461,000. The money will be divided among its 31 operatives.
The Consolacion Police Station received P445,386, which it will divide among its 28 personnel.
The Moalboal Police Station received P389,166, which it will divide among its 37 personnel.
In his speech, Gov. Hilario Davide III said police officers deserve to be given rewards and incentives, especially if their operations involve a lot of risks.
He thanked the awardees for their dedication and zeal in keeping the peace in the province. From SCG of Superbalita Cebu/ JKV