Coco Martin lauds PNP at flag-raising rites

After playing the role of one of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos killed in a clash in Maguindanao, actor Coco Martin has become a fan of policemen.

Martin, who portrayed Senior Inspector John Garry Eraña of the 55th Special Action Company in an episode of the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya ( MMK), was the guest of honor during yesterday’s flag- raising ceremony of the Philippine National Police ( PNP) at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

“I am very thankful and I have the highest respect for your policemen, especially when I got the rare chance to talk to some of you and understand how the life of a policeman is like,” said Martin, whose real name is Rodel Nacianceno.

Since he underwent rigorous training to prepare for his role, Martin said he has grown to admire policemen for their dedication and commitment to their jobs as peacekeepers.

Amid controversies and negative portrayals of policemen in the country, Martin said the public should look into the sacrifices they make to ensure the public’s safety.

“I hope they will understand and appreciate the hardships that you go through, how you sacrifice your lives to take care and protect us,” he said.

“I hope through this television show, we can help bring back the love and respect of ordinary people for the PNP,” he added.

Martin was paired with actress Angel Locsin, who took on the role of Eraña’s fiancée Suzette Tucay, an aspiring lawyer. The two-part tribute episode was aired on ABS-CBN last April 25 and May 2.

Police officials, led by Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr., gave Martin a black jacket bearing the text “Police” as gratitude for his kind words.

Martin, together with PNP officials, watched the MMK episode at the PNP Multi-purpose Center after the flag-raising ceremony.

Eraña, who was 28 at the time of his death, was a graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 2009. He was among the 44 SAF men killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January while on a mission to serve arrest warrants against high-value terrorists.