FIVE police personnel were awarded by the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO-Cor) during Monday's Flag Raising Ceremony at Camp Bado Dangwa in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Police officers from Baguio City and the Province of Kalinga were cited for their contribution in the anti-illegal drug campaign conveyed by the Philippine National Police under President Rodrigo Duterte administration.
"Medalya ng Papuri" were given to Baguio City Police Office's PO3 Wilmer Guillermo and PO3 Carlito Esnara, Kalinga Provincial Police Office’s PO3 Jonaldo Songday, PO3 Cleto Tamento, and PO2 Drexel Jay Bog-acon were also among the awardees.
The medals represent the PNP personnel’s dedication, commitment, and outstanding devotion to fulfilling their duties in fighting illegal drugs in the region.
Their credits brought honors and prestige to PRO-Cor as the national campaign against illegal narcotics reach its first month of implementation in July 31.
Distinguished guest for the awarding ceremony is Deputy Provincial Prosecutor for the Province of Benguet Atty. Andres Gondayao.
In his message, Gondayao lauded the efforts of the regional PNP Office in their successful contribution to stop drug-related activities in the Cordilleras.
The Provincial Prosecutor also emphasized to the present police officers to reconcile the law with the existing campaign against illegal drugs.
“Police officers should perform in accordance with his functions. The duty to reconcile the law with the anti-drug campaign should be observed and followed,” Gondayao said adding the PNP should be cautious of their actions especially when arresting suspects.
“It does not mean that you interpret shoot-to-kill order literally. If he will resist then use force, but shoot-to-kill is meant only to threaten in advance and not to kill immediately by purpose,” he stressed.
As of press time, PRO-Cor has already recorded a total of 7,553 who surrendered, 161 drug users and pushers arrested, and 7 casualties in legitimate police operations.