PRO-NIR honors cops behind drug, gun busts

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) honored police officers Monday, Sept. 14, for their roles in separate operations that led to arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs, firearms, and ammunition.

PRO-NIR Director Police Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales led the awarding ceremony in front of the regional headquarters’ administration building at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Barangay Estefania here.

Members of the command group, regional and personal staff, awardees, their families, and other PRO-NIR personnel attended the ceremony.

The recognized officers took part in three operations in Bacolod City and E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, in August.

The operations resulted in the seizure of a combined 311.971 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride with a standard drug price of PHP 2,121,422.40, along with firearms, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.

Police Lt. Col. Roberto V. Indiape Jr., team leader, and Police Master Sgt. Randy T. Gelboria, team member, received the Medalya ng Kadakilaan for their roles in an Aug. 25 buy-bust operation in Zone 1, Barangay Handumanan, Bacolod City.

The operation by the Bacolod City Police Office’s City Drug Enforcement Unit led to the arrest of one high-value individual and two other suspects over alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police seized 22 heat-sealed plastic sachets containing 64.179 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride with a standard drug price of PHP 436,417.20.

Authorities also recovered one .45-caliber pistol, three .38-caliber revolvers, two .45-caliber magazines, 20 rounds of .45-caliber ammunition, and four rounds of .38-caliber ammunition.

Police Maj. Eugene G. Tolentino, team leader, and Police Cpl. Nelson John C. Bico, team member, also received the Medalya ng Kadakilaan for an Aug. 23 buy-bust operation in Purok Katilingban, Barangay 39, Bacolod City.

The Police Station 1 operation resulted in the arrest of a high-value individual over alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165.

Police recovered 13 heat-sealed plastic sachets and three knot-tied plastic bags containing 193.206 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride valued at PHP 1,313,800.

Patrolman Jay-r L. Fortiliano, the arresting officer, and Patrolman Mar John P. Cananao, the deponent, received the Medalya ng Kagalingan for their roles in operations conducted Aug. 28 and 29 in St. Michael Subdivision, Barangay Alicante, E.B. Magalona.

The E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station conducted a buy-bust operation and implemented a search warrant, resulting in the arrest of a suspect over alleged violations of Sections 5, 11, and 12 of RA 9165.

Authorities recovered six heat-sealed plastic sachets and one knot-tied plastic bag containing 54.586 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride with a standard drug price of PHP 371,205.20, along with drug paraphernalia.

Reales emphasized integrity, accountability, and professionalism in carrying out police duties.

He said successful law enforcement operations must be conducted with discipline and respect for the law because the credibility of the police service depends on the conduct and character of its personnel.

PRO-NIR said the recognition highlighted officers whose dedication and competence contributed to the successful operations and served as an example to other police personnel.

The regional police office said the accomplishments support its crime prevention and crime solution priorities and its campaign for disciplined, coordinated, and professional law enforcement across the Negros Island Region.

The recognition is anchored on the Philippine National Police campaign, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”