Malabed to be awarded Katapatan sa Paglilingkod, Katangitanging Gawa medals — PNP

Police Colonel Pergentino “Bong” Malabed Jr., who was among the fatalities in a fatal air collision in Washington D.C., will receive the Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod (PNP Distinguished Service Medal) and Medalya ng Katangitanging Gawa (PNP Outstanding Achievement Medal), the Philippine National Police said Thursday.

In a statement, the PNP added that Malabed’s family will also receive over P2.6 million.

“PCOL Malabed’s accidental death benefits from the PNP Savings and Loan Association, Inc. (PNP-SLAI) and other insurance provisions will provide his family with a total amount of ?2,698,140.84, ensuring financial support for his loved ones,” the PNP said.

Malabed’s remains are expected to arrive in the Philippines on Thursday.

According to the PNP, recipients of the Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod are awarded the decoration for "exceptional performance of major responsibility duly recognized as such by the service" as well as "the accomplishment of the duty should have been complete prior to submission of recommendation or, if the person being recommended has been transferred prior to completion, the accomplishment must have been determined to be exceptional or significant."

Meanwhile, the Medalya ng Katangitanging Gawa is given "for distinguished or extraordinary achievement or service in the advancement of science, socio-economic, technical and/or police related to the public service of the highest order."

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City, the PNP said foyer honors will be rendered before his remains are brought to Camp Crame for arrival honors, a religious service, and a public viewing with vigil guards.

Necrological services are set to be held at the Multi-Purpose Center of Camp Crame.

On February 27, the PNP said Malabed will be taken to his final resting place at the Memorial Gardens in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.

"PCOL Malabed dedicated his life to the service of the Filipino people. His untimely passing is a great loss to the PNP, but his legacy of professionalism and commitment will always be remembered,” PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil said.

“We stand with his family during this difficult time, ensuring that he is given the highest honors befitting a dedicated officer," he added.

On January 22, Malabed, as the chief of PNP's Supply Management Division, flew from the Philippines to India for the pre-delivery inspection of 2,675 units of all-purpose vests.

Malabed took five of the vests and flew to the United States to subject the items for further testing on January 27.

Based on the unofficial report of the Office of the Police Attaché in Washington D.C., Malabed was originally scheduled to return to the Philippines on February 2 but he decided to travel to South Carolina via Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to visit his brother.

Malabed was among the people on board an American Airlines passenger jet that collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 30 (US time). All 67 people onboard both aircraft died in the accident. —RF, GMA Integrated News