POLICE Brigadier General Ronaldo Genaro Ylagan, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula director, said the heroic acts of two of their senior officials will remain in their memories until the coming generation as their acts of valor, integrity in service and loyalty to the Philippine National Police (PNP) organization will be celebrated in the ages to come.
Ylagan issued the statement as he led the commemoration of the 32nd dead anniversary Friday of Brigadier General Eduardo Batalla, then commander of the Regional Command-Zamboanga Peninsula, and Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Abendan, Batalla’s chief-of-staff.
Batalla and Abendan were killed during the infamous Cawa-Cawa siege from January 3 to 5 in 1989.
“I hope that the personnel in PRO-9 (PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula) will emulate the noble character of our heroes in the service of PNP. Always remember that as men and women of PRO-9, we ought to show valor, integrity and loyalty,” Ylagan said during the commemoration program.
Ylagan led the ceremonies at PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula Headquarters in Camp Colonel Romeo Abendan in Mercedes village, Zamboanga City, which was attended by Abendan's widow, Gloria Abendan, and regional office personnel and Special Action Force.
Police Brigadier General Ronaldo Llanera, deputy regional director for administration, led the wreath-laying ceremony and 21-gun salute held around 3 p.m. Friday, January 8, at Camp Batalla, which was attended by personnel of PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula and Regional Support Units.
Meanwhile, Gloria Abendan expressed her profound appreciation to the men and women of PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula for always remembering and acknowledging the heroism of her husband. (SunStar Zamboanga)