Wounded cop gets cash, medal, hospital assistance

The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) will shoulder the medical expenses of the policeman who was wounded for responding to an alarm involving a man who threw stones at people on Escario St. last Monday.

Police Officer 1 Berlino Ricafort of Abellana Police Station was also awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting which was conferred by Chief Superintendent Debold Sinas, director of PRO-7, in a closed-door ceremony after he underwent an operation.

Also present during the awarding was his police station commander, Chief Inspector Maria Theresa Macatangay, and Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director Senior Superintendent Royina Garma.

Ricafort also received cash assistance from PRO-7. Ricafort, a beat patrol policeman assigned on Escario Street, sustained the wounds when he responded to an alarm involving a certain Susanito Ellama, 43, from Iloilo City.

Ellama allegedly threw stones at people in the area. He also threw stones at Ricafort that caused his head injuries.

To stop Ellama, Ricafort shot his foot but Ellama allegedly continued to throw stones at him.

Ricafort was hit more than thrice and was forced to shoot Ellama again, hitting his stomach causing his death.

Sinas said that he is happy to know that there are cops who would risk their lives to subdue a suspect and prevent further violence.

“I am happy. This only shows nga naa gihapoy police nato nga dedicated sa trabaho bisag tawag lang, moresponde gyud sila,” Sinas said.

Police Officer 3 Francisco Ricafort Jr., his older brother assigned in CCPO Special Weapons and Tactics, said he is happy that his brother is now in a stable condition after the surgery to fix his head injuries.

He said that he is proud of his brother.

Sinas also commended the bystander and motorcycle drivers who helped Ricafort.