Andanar lauds cops’ heroism
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar expressed hope that the heroism showed by two policemen in the grenade explosion that took place inside a campus in Misamis Oriental will be emulated by other cops.
Andanar made the remark even as he lauded the posthumous conferment of the Order of Lapu-Lapu Magalong Medal and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Medal of Valor to Police Senior Master Sergeant Jason Magno by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Police Master Sergeant Alice Balido, who was wounded during the incident, was also conferred by the President with the Order of Lapu-Lapu Kampilan Award.
“Their selfless acts of heroism and bravery so they could protect the civilians went above and beyond the call of duty. It is something that is worth remembering and emulating by our other police officers,” Andanar said.
For other Filipinos, the Malacañang official said may their actions be a reminder that we can all be protectors and heroes to others in our own way.
“Guided by the courage and bravery displayed by both Magno and Balido, may we all be inspired to collectively promote safety and security in our country,” Andanar said.
The PNP Medal of Valor is the highest PNP award recognizing police personnel who has performed “a deed of personal bravery or self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty so conspicuously as to distinguish him above his comrades.”
The Order of Lapu Lapu, Rank of Kalasag, is given to officials and personnel of the government and private individuals who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.
The Order of Lapu Lapu, Kampilan Medal, on the other hand, is bestowed upon individuals who were seriously wounded or suffered great loss of property as a result of their participation in activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.
It can be recalled that President Duterte last 5 December, went to Intao, Misamis Oriental and posthumously conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag to Magno who died during an incident involving a man armed with a hand grenade inside the campus of Initao College last 28 November.
When Magno attempted to make an arrest, the suspect lobbed the grenade inside the campus. Magno used his body to shield others from the explosion killing him in the process.