Senators file resolution for hero cop
Had it not been for his bravery, heroism, and instinct to save lives, students, teachers, as well as his fellow policemen would have perished on that fateful day
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At least two senators sought honor for Senior Master Sgt. Jason Magno for giving up his life to protect students from a grenade explosion in Misamis Oriental through two separate resolutions.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Monday filed Senate Resolution 229 acknowledging Magno for his “exemplary service and extraordinary heroism” by shielding his body to save the lives of students in Initao College, Misamis Oriental.
Lacson said in the resolution that “had it not been for his bravery, heroism, and instinct to save lives, students, teachers, as well as his fellow policemen would have perished on that fateful day.”
The former National Police Chief also noted that Magno should be emulated and recognized not only by the Philippine National Police (PNP) but by the entire country.
Meanwhile, Sen. Sonny Angara filed a separate resolution, Senate Resolution 253, honoring the bravery and heroism shown by Magno.
“Master Sgt. Magno responded to the call of duty to protect the lives of civilians. Without thinking of his own safety, he used his body to cover the grenade, saving more lives but tragically losing his own in the process,” Angara said.
“It is only proper that the Senate recognizes Magno for his heroism. It is men like him who represent the best of the PNP and Filipinos as a whole,” he added.
Angara underscored that Magno’s death is a reminder of the service of the country’s policemen where they risk their lives to keep civilians safe from criminal elements.
Recently, President Rodrigo Duterte personally condoled with Magno’s family in Initao, Misamis Oriental and conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag and the Medal of Valor to the late policeman.
Also receiving the Order of Lapu Lapu, Rank of Kampilan from the President was Master Sgt. Alice Balido, who was injured in the same incident.
The PNP Medal of Valor is the highest award recognizing police personnel who 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.
On the other hand, the Order of Lapu Lapu, Kampilan Medal 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.