By Jennifer P. Rendon
Bravery is more than just bearing arms and fighting the enemy.
For Police Corporal Maxine June Parochelin, Executive Master Sergeant Cesar Pinuela, and Senior Master Sergeant Robelyn Astros, courage could also mean performing deeds beyond the call of duty.
The three Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 officers were recently recognized as three of PNP’s “Pulis Magiting” for their exemplary acts.
The recognition was held during the launching of “Pulis Magiting x Pilipinong Magiting Awards” on July 6, 2021 at the PNP national headquarters at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
A joint program of the PNP and the Ayala Foundation, the “Pulis Magiting” award recognizes uniformed personnel who demonstrate the virtue of “kagitingan” – courage or valor – in the performance of their role, or even beyond the call of duty.
Initially launched in six regions nationwide, the program kicked off with the announcement of the awardees and the signing of the memorandum of agreement.
Parochelin, Pinuela, and Astros are three of the 17 police personnel who received the “Pulis Magiting” award.
Parochelin, a member of Oton Police Station in Iloilo, was cited for extending her assistance by giving food packs to tricycle drivers affected by COVID-19 pandemic.
The aid she initially extended came from her pocket. Friends and other people later on supported her initiative.
Meanwhile, Pinuela, member of Iloilo City Police Station 3, also initiated commendable acts, from setting up his own community pantry for the poor and spreading the word of God through regular Bible studies.
Pinuela’s initiatives are nothing new to the people of Jaro and his fellow officers, as he has been into these commendable acts for years already.
On the other hand, Astros, a member of Iloilo City Drug Enforcement Unit, initiated the “Bigas Mo Itulong Mo (B.M.I)” project, which aims to help the less fortunate residents of Iloilo City.
Some 530 families have benefited from Astros’ initiative.
The awardees received the Medalya ng Papuri or the PNP Commendation Medal, cash, and gift certificates from Ayala Foundation Incorporated and a Wi-Fi modem from Globe Telecom.
Brigadier General Rolando Miranda, Western Visayas police chief, presented tokens to the representatives from Ayala Foundation Incorporated and Globe Telecom.
Miranda cited private sector stakeholders for their efforts in recognizing the good deeds and for their support to the PNP.
“It is good that we take cognizance of the efforts of our policemen in the communities, salamat sa mga partners natin na nagbibigay suporta para i-boost ang morale ng mga law enforcers to do their best for the community,” Miranda said.
Meanwhile, PNP chief General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar also recognized the PNP’s partners and emphasized the importance of the activity in showcasing the good side of the organization.
“Kayo po ang nagiging tinig ng PNP upang aming maipahatid sa ating mga kababayan na maraming mga pulis na karapatdapat parangalan dahil sa kanilang natatanging gawa. We shall be more than glad to return the compliment through honest-to-goodness police work and dedicated police service which embodies the core concept of our Intensified Cleanliness Policy. That the cleanliness in our police stations and offices as well as the cleanliness in our ranks and in the performance of our duty are the fastest ways to win the trust, respect, and confidence of the people we serve,” Eleazar said.
