PRO-NIR gives heroism medal to slain cop

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has awarded a posthumous Philippine National Police (PNP) Heroism Medal (Medalya ng Kadakilaan) to Police Senior Master Sgt. Rommel Aguilar, 45, who was killed by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on Dec. 7.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, conferred the award during his visit to Aguilar’s wake at their home in Toboso town on Wednesday.

“My snappiest salute to our police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Ibay said in a social media post.

“May we continue to honor his memory and heroism, and stand with the loved ones he left behind. His bravery lives on in all of us,” he added.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said the Heroism Medal is the highest commendation a regional director can grant.

Malong added that Ibay also extended financial assistance to Aguilar’s family.

Aguilar was found dead in Barangay Laga-an, Calatrava, a few hours after a brief firefight in Barangay Menchaca during an operation against a wanted person.

A civilian, reportedly tagged by rebels as a military asset, was also shot dead in Barangay Dolis, Calatrava.

Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, spokesperson for the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), said the investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.