By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday assured to expedite the release of all benefits of the two police officers killed and two others injured in a shootout with heavily armed drug suspects in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.
PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said the PNP would shoulder the burial expenses of Corporal Kirt Sipin and Patrolwoman Roselyn Bulias and will give financial assistance to the bereaved families.
He also assured the continued medical assistance for the recovery of Patrolmen Jonel Ramos and Eddie Sugarol, both wounded in a buy-bust operation that resulted in an armed encounter with the suspects on Nov. 15.
Matta awarded Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (Wounded Valor Medal) to Ramos and Sugarol when he visited them at the Notre Dame Medical Center in Cotabato City.
He said the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Heroism Medal) awards and financial assistance have also been given to the bereaved families.
Matta expressed his profound respect for the bravery and sacrifice of his personnel, emphasizing the PNP’s unwavering commitment to its mission to protect the people.
“The sacrifice of these brave men and women reflects the true spirit of service and dedication to our nation. We mourn the loss of our heroes but stand united in our mission to continue the fight against illegal drugs. Justice will be served, and the PNP will provide unwavering support to the families of our fallen comrades,” Matta said in a statement.
He assured the public that the PNP would remain steadfast in its commitment to justice and public safety, honoring the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“This incident underscores the seriousness of our campaign against illegal drugs. We honor the sacrifice of these brave officers by reaffirming our commitment to eliminating the scourge of illegal drugs from our communities and ensuring justice for all victims of this menace,” he added.
The Nov. 15 anti-illegal drug operation, conducted by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 15 with reinforcement from the Philippine Army’s 6th Mechanized Battalion, dismantled a major drug syndicate in Mindanao.
The joint operation led to the seizure of 1,000 grams of shabu worth PHP6.8 million and the arrest of two suspects.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents on Monday arrested drug suspect Ashraf Kayzar Ikbala, 40, in a buy-bust operation in Palawan Zone II, Barangay Divisoria, Zamboanga City on Monday.
The operation has also yielded illegal drugs with a street value of PHP29.9 million.
Charges are being readied against the 40-year-old suspect for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act of 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. (PNA)
