Empowering our heroes
larger triumph: it became the key to win back people’s hearts. The locals, who used to be very suspicious of the police, have since become cooperative – proactive, even – in securing peace and order among their respective barangays.
Ebsolo believes the secret is simple: “With each new day, I am reminded to always go the extra mile, to make myself available especially to the most vulnerable, even if it means putting my life on the line.”
In his 28 years in service, Muñoz has proven himself a jack of all police trades.
Whether out in the streets arresting criminals and conducting underground raids, or within the halls of the police headquarters, he has served as a game-changer, exceptionally living up to his sworn mandate to ‘serve and protect.’
When Muñoz was director of the Laguna Provincial Police Office in 2012, he implemented new operational strategies to curtail pervasive drug trades and organized crime groups.
Under his watch, the province of Laguna has seen marked improvements in environmental protection through the adoption of Operation Plan BERDE (Boost our Environment Reserves for the Development of our Ecosystem), which was instrumental in stopping rampant illegal logging activities and large-scale deforestation in the 1,300 hectares of public forestland in Laguna.
In 2017, when he was lifted out of frontline duty to serve in Camp Crame headquarters, Muñoz did not falter in blazing trails towards the improvement of police services.
In just a year, he ably facilitated the conceptualization and formulation of policies streamlining service procedures for retirees and two support programs for a more transparent and expedient procurement of goods within the force.
“In my almost three-decade service, I have embodied the PNP core values of being Makadiyos, Makakalikasan, Makatao, at Makabansa – a police officer who, with the grace of God, has served the people and impacted a positive change in my organization and the communities, in the pursuit of protecting people’s lives and dignity and the environment they live in,” he said.
The 10 awardees officially join the roster of 665 Outstanding Filipinos – 364 teachers, 157 soldiers and 144 police officers – honored by the Foundation since 1985.
“We again present 10 Outstanding Filipinos who embody the best in our people and are recognized for their steadfast commitment to inspire change for others to emulate,” said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña.