By Jennifer P. Rendon
Outstanding policemen and units in Western were formally recognized during the Police Regional Office’s (PRO)-6 celebration of the 122nd Police Service Anniversary (PSA) at the Courtyard by Marriott of the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo on August 14.
Observed all over the country, the PSA is “a celebration in the history of our nation’s security and public service.”
“This event is a testament to the unwavering commitment, dedication, and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform who have devoted their lives to upholding the principles of justice, order, and safety within our communities,” Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor, Western Visayas police chief, said.
Villaflor added that the PSA holds a special significance because it not only commemorates the achievements of the police personnel but also recognizes their outstanding contributions in both law enforcement operations and administrative accomplishments.
“The dedication exhibited by our best performing units, officers, and police stations is a shining example of the professionalism, resilience, and unwavering commitment that defines the Philippine National Police,” he added.
This year’s PSA celebration is themed “Nagkakaisang Pulisya at Pamayanan Tungo sa Mapayapa at Maunlad na Bansa.”
No less than PNP chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. was the Guest of Honor and Speaker (GOHS).
Acorda said the PSA celebration reflects the legacy the PNP is creating and the profound impact they are making on the lives of the people we serve.
Our theme for this year, “Nagkakaisang Pulisya “Nagkakaisang Pulisya at Pamayanan tungo sa Mapayapa at Maunlad a Bansa.”
Among the individuals recognized for their achievements are:
-Police Colonel Alexander Mariano – Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) for Administration
-PCol. Leo Pamittan – Best Senior PCO for Operations
-PMaj. Ma Liza Nofuente – Best Junior PCO for Administration
-PLt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca – Best Junior PCO for Operations
-Police Executive Master Sergeant Eric Entero – Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) for Administration
-Police Senior Master Sergeant Christopher Panes – Best Senior PNCO for Operations
-Police Staff Sergeant Rachel Ilumba – Best Junior PNCO for Administration
-PSSG Resurrecion Aliponso, Jr. – Best Junior PNCO for Administration
-NUP Christine Florabelle Amelie Arcenas – Best NUP (Non-Supervisory Level)
The Unit awardees are:
-Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office – Best Police Provincial Office
-Bacolod City Police Office – Best City Police Office
-Roxas Component City Police Station – Best Component City Police Station
-San Jose Municipal Police Station – Best Municipal Police Station
-Iloilo City Mobile Force Company – Best City Mobile Force Company
-2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company – Best Provincial Mobile Force Company
The unit awardees this year are the same awardees in last year’s PSA celebration.
Meanwhile, special awards on good deeds were also given to Staff Sergeant Christian Ureta of the Aklan PPO; 605th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RFMB) 6 and Aklan BAGHAY, Inc.
Other special awards were also given to:
-Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson of Negros Occidental;
-Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez of Bacolod City;
-Mayor Ronnie Dadivas of Roxas City, Capiz;
-Mayor Elmer Untaran of San Jose, Antique;
-Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr. of Iloilo;
-Rep. Antonio Legarda of Antique;
-Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano;
-Rep. Ferjenel Biron of Iloilo;
-Professor Mary Ann Gumban; and
-Iloilo Police and Defense Press Corps.
Meanwhile, Acorda reminded police awardees and attendees that it is their solemn duty to honor the heritage while forging ahead into uncharted territories.
“The landscape of law enforcement is undergoing a profound transformation, influenced by the tides of technology, the challenges of the digital age, and the ever-evolving nature of crime,” he said.
The country’s top cop also reiterated that the essence of their service lies in the human connections they form.
“Every interaction, every word, every action carries the potential to shape perceptions, mend wounds, and restore hope. By embracing empathy and compassion, we solidify the bridge between law enforcement and the community, laying the foundation for lasting change,” he said.
Resolute dedication should also be at the core of their service.
“Our badges symbolize not just our authority, but the immense responsibility we bear towards the people we serve. Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and transparency is non-negotiable. It is our moral compass that guides us through the complexities of our roles,” he said.
