Brave cops save teachers

Canapi was hit in his right forearm while Awwalon sustained a wound in the head that rendered him in critical condition. No teacher was reported wounded during the attack

The Philippine National Police (PNP) high command yesterday paid tribute to the bravery of two policemen who risked their own lives while protecting teachers on board a car in Patikul, Sulu from the attacking Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

Corporal Angelo Canapi and Patrolman Nijar Awwalon, both of the PNP’s 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, were wounded during the attack that happened at about 7:45 a.m.

“The PNP recognizes the exemplary performance of the two cops…who performed their task amid heavy volume of fire,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said.

Banac said the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao under Police Brig. Gen. Marni Marcos was already directed to launch an investigation.

At the same time, Marcos ordered intensified security in the area to ensure the safety of Department of Education teachers at all times.

Report showed that the ambush took place along Barangay Igasan in Patikul while the policemen were conducting route security patrol for the car-pooled DepEd teachers.

Canapi was hit in his right forearm while Awwalon sustained a wound in the head that rendered him in critical condition.

No teacher was reported wounded during the attack.

The two cops were initially brought to the Sulu Provincial Hospital for immediate medical attention and later transferred to Trauma Ward of Kuta Heneral Teodulfo S. Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo.