Napolcom vows aid to family of drowned cop

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has assured assistance to the family of Police Master Sgt. Fernando Marfa, who drowned in a river while trying to save three companions during a seaborne patrol operation in Barangay Luna, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, on Aug. 7.

In a statement, Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said Napolcom will facilitate the processing and release of benefits due to Marfa’s beneficiaries and extend assistance that the commission can provide within its mandate.

“Hindi natin pababayaan ang kanyang pamilya,” he added.

Napolcom administers death benefit claims for uniformed Philippine National Police personnel and their qualified beneficiaries.

Calinisan said Marfa’s passing is a painful loss to the police service and, most especially, to the family who will have to bear the weight of his absence.

“Every police officer who puts on the uniform accepts the responsibility to serve and protect, but behind every officer is a family that shares the risks and sacrifices that come with the profession,” he added.

Calinisan said Marfa’s family has paid a heavy price for his years of service, and Napolcom honors them as it honors his memory.

“May the memory of PMSg Marfa’s service bring strength and comfort to his family and loved ones,” Calinisan said as he extended his condolences to Marfa’s colleagues and family.

He said Marfa’s years in uniform may have come to an end, but his service to the Filipino people will remain part of the institution he served and the lives he touched.

Marfa, a resident of Barangay Tinampa-an, Cadiz City, and assigned to the Cadiz City Police Station, drowned in a strong river current while trying to rescue members of Bantay Dagat.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) mourned the loss of Marfa, whose final moments reflected courage and selflessness in the line of duty.

“PMSg Marfa made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His courage and willingness to risk his own life to save others reflect the finest traditions of the Philippine National Police,” PNP Chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

“Sa halip na unahin ang sariling kaligtasan, pinili niyang iligtas ang kanyang kasamahan. Hindi malilimutan ang kanyang tapang at sakripisyo,” he added.

The PNP extended its deepest condolences to Marfa’s family, colleagues, and loved ones, honoring his selfless act and unwavering dedication to protecting others.

The PNP said Marfa’s final act of courage leaves a lasting reminder of the risks carried by those who wear the police uniform — and of the lives they are willing to protect even at the greatest personal cost.