Twelve police officers feted for peaceful polls

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

Twelve officers of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) were recognized for their efforts in keeping the 2022 national and local elections peaceful and orderly.

The awardees include:

* Brigadier General Archival Macala

* Colonel Martin Defensor Jr.

* Colonel Gilbert Gorero

* Colonel Roy Parena

* Lieutenant Colonel Herman Celiz Jr

* Major Jose Mark Anthony Gesulga

* Major Mark Cordero

* Major Peter John Pisueña

* Major Terrence Paul Sta. Ana

* Major Marydith Ituriaga

* Major Henry Gaborno

* Lieutenant John Predic Padilla

Brigadier General Flynn Dongbo, Western Visayas police chief, pinned the PNP Efficiency Medal (Medalya ng Kasanayan) to the 12 officers for leading the peaceful security coverage during the election.

They were formally recognized during the flag raising ceremony on May 16, 2022 at the PRO-6 Grandstand at Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City.

The PRO-6 leadership said the region only recorded 24 crime incidents during election day. All cases are deemed not election related.

The 24 incidents are 62 percent lower from the 62 cases in the 2019 midterm election and far lower than the 125 incidents during the 2016 national and local polls.

Only three cases involved the eight focus crimes of murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and carnapping/ motorcycle theft.

Solis said the three cases are way lower than the 12 in 2019 and 26 cases in 2016.

The police also did not record major and election-related violent incidents.

“You delivered beyond what is expected from you during deployment, from acting as precinct finders, navigators and even nannies to the children of would-be voters,” Dongbo told the awardees.

The region’s top cop said they remained true to their duties even until after all the election equipment and paraphernalia have been withdrawn from your respective areas.

Dongbo has also acknowledged all other PRO-6 personnel for their individual contribution and sacrifices in ensuring security and for maintaining peace and order in their respective areas of assignment.