Injured Bacolod cop receives PNP commendation medal

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has recognized the courage and outstanding performance of Police Staff Sgt. Mark Loui Soriba, who was injured during an anti-drug operation in Barangay Mansilingan here on Thursday.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, visited Soriba at the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center in Barangay Taculing on Sunday, where he awarded him the Medalya ng Papuri or the Philippine National Police (PNP) Commendation Medal.

Ibay commended Soriba’s bravery and sense of duty, stating that his actions reflect the PNP’s core values of service, honor, and sacrifice in the campaign against illegal drugs.

According to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), Soriba was one of the key operatives in a buy-bust operation that led to the arrest of a suspected drug personality named “Joefer” and the seizure of PHP 136,000 worth of suspected shabu on Sept. 11.

During the operation, Soriba was accidentally hit by a car driven by a 55-year-old man who reportedly dozed off at the wheel.

Both Soriba’s colleague and Joefer sustained minor injuries.

Despite his injuries, Soriba’s commitment was instrumental in ensuring the success of the operation, the BCPO emphasized.

Joining Ibay during the hospital visit were Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, and Police Capt. Dax Santillan, head of Police Station 7.