THE National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Monday celebrated its 58th anniversary with an outpouring of awards for outstanding policemen, employees, civilian partners, stakeholders, and cop-heroes.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary and NAPOLCOM ex-officio chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. was guest of honor and speaker during the event with the theme “Matatag na Pulisya para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Pagpapalakas ng Serbisyo at Pagkakaisa ng Komunidad.”
The celebration was highlighted by the awarding of certificates to officials and operatives from various law enforcement agencies who won in the NAPOLCOM Commissioner’s Cup, a Level 3 Philippine Shooters and Match Officers Confederation-sanctioned competition held from August 8 to 11, 2024 at the ARMSCOR Shooting Center in Marikina City.
Eighteen policemen Regions 2, 4B and 5 were conferred awards for bravery and dedication to duty in guaranteeing public safety even amidst danger.
Police chief Master Sergeant Dante Nobleja from Region 2 was specifically cited for “demonstrating exceptional courage” in the arrest of a communist rebel leader on Aug. 31 last year amid inclement weather brought by super typhoon Goring and the apprehension of a shooting suspect in Lasam, Cagayan last July 29.
Members of the police station in Corcuera, Romblon were likewise conferred awards for saving 93 passengers of a ferry buffeted by strong waves and wind on Aug. 5, 2023.
Also recognized were MSgt. Joseph B Lozardo, PSSg Abraham M Villanueva II, PCpl Lister Mae A Baratilla, PCpl John Eric C Pavia, PCMS Roberto A Villamor, and PSSg Abraham C So, Jr., members of the 2nd Platoon, Albay 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, PRO 5, for demonstrating extraordinary bravery in the neutralization of two members of the Communist Terrorist Group during an attack by over ten suspected terrorists members along the Bicol International Airport Rd. in Bascaran, Daraga, Albay.
Six civilians were commended for “invaluable contribution and support to the programs and projects of the Commission.”
Contributions from the United States Department of Justice’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program in the revision of the PNP Manual on Anti-Illegal Drugs Operation and Investigation did not go unnoticed by the NAPOLCOM.
Another awardee was the College of Criminal Justice, University of Cebu in recognition of its “invaluable assistance” as enumerators/researchers in the 2023 Survey on Personal Safety, Fear of Crime, and Violence.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was likewise recognized for invaluable assistance in the development of the PNP Manual: Rule XVI on Media Relations, Safety of Journalists, Freedom of Expression and Access to Public Information. Their guidance and expertise have been instrumental in fostering a safer and more transparent environment for both media practitioners and the police.
Another awardee was the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for their unwavering commitment to advancing crime prevention and the rule of law within the NAPOLCOM and the PNP. Their continuous efforts and partnership have significantly strengthened the pillars of security and justice in the Philippines.
Likewise awarded was Police Capt. Nomer Macaraig of the Police and Community Affairs and Development Group, in recognition of his dedication and generous contribution of time, knowledge, and expertise as Resource Speaker on Crime Prevention, and for his unwavering support and cooperation in the successful implementation of government’s crime prevention policies and programs, particularly during the conduct of awareness, information, and educational activities in schools and barangays.
