PNP honors cops involved in Bacolod raid

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday conferred awards on 10 policemen of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) who conducted raids on the offices of progressive organizations in Bacolod City last October.

Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa awarded the Medalya ng Kagalingan to the following policemen:

• Police Colonel Benliner Capili
• Police Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Gantang
• Police Chief Master Sergeant Ramiro Gocotano
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Rex Himodo
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Alberto Sombilon
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Jerome Jambaro
• Patrolman Elmer Toos
• Patrolman Eljhon Dapitan
• Patrolman Neshijara Beare
• Patrolman John Patrick Evangelista

The police raids resulted in the arrest of more than 40 activists as well as the seizure of 32 assorted firearms, three fragmentation grenades, two 40 mm ammunition as well as other ammunition.

The PNP also said the operation also resulted in the rescue of 13 minors who had allegedly been recruited by leftists groups.

The said operations were conducted on the strength of search warrants issued by Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert of the Branch 89 of Quezon City Regional Trial Court for alleged violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News