PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte awarded a posthumous medal to a slain policeman killed in a buy-bust operation in Norzagaray, Bulacan, as the President vowed to step up the government’s drive against illegal drugs.
The President also extended financial assistance and scholarship to the children of SPO1 Ronaldo Legaspi, who succumbed to four gunshot wounds in the anti-drug operation in Norzagaray last week.
During his visit, the Chief Executive posthumously awarded Legaspi the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag.
The award is conferred on individuals who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.
Legaspi is survived by his parents, wife, and three children.
The President was accompanied by Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go and Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa.
Police killed the suspected drug pusher, identified as Rolando Padura, alias Jay, a resident of San Jose Del Monte town in Bulacan, ans was listed in the “Priority Targets” of Norzagaray police.
A report said Legaspi and other Norzagaray cops set up a buy-bust operation against Padura after he agreed to sell shabu to people who turned out to be lawmen.
At the agreed meeting place in barangay Tigbe, Greñas said Padura sensed he was selling drugs to policemen and opened fire at the lawmen, who retaliated.
Padura died on the spot. Legaspi sustained four gunshot wounds in the stomach and was rushed to the Ospital ng Lungsod ng San Jose Del Monte where he was declared dead a few hours later.