By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY — An anti-drug operative was commended for his bravery and commitment to duty after being wounded in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, last Tuesday.
Police Colonel Rainerio De Chavez, provincial director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), awarded Police Staff Sergeant Iric Montoyo the Philippine National Police Wounded Personnel Medal (Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting) during his visit to a hospital in Kabankalan City last Thursday.
De Chavez emphasized the importance of the medal as a symbol of valor for officers who risk their lives in the fight against crime.
He also highlighted the dedication of local law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to eradicate illegal drugs and ensure community safety.
De Chavez presented financial assistance extended by Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, regional director of Police Regional Office (PRO)6, to Montoyo.
He was accompanied by Police Lieutenant Colonel Lowell Garinganao, chief of the Provincial Administrative and Resource Management Unit (PARMU), and Police Lieutenant Colonel Roberto Indiape Jr., city police chief.
Montoyo, who responded as one of the backup operatives in the operation, was hit in the arm after reportedly being shot by 42-year-old Alvie Taco, a suspected member of a drug group and a top priority drug personality in both provincial and city drug watchlists.
The buy-bust operation allegedly yielded 20 grams of suspected shabu worth P136,000, a .22 caliber revolver from Taco’s 22-year-old alleged cohort, and a .45 caliber pistol.
Wanky praised the dedication and bravery of Montoyo.
“We recognize your sacrifice and bravery towards your duty. Your actions are worthy of praise and emulation,” Wanky said in a statement.
“This situation cannot stop us from doing our job. Instead, your heroism serves as an inspiration to our colleagues to intensify our campaign against all forms of illegal activities,” he added.
