Cebuano cop tops Napolcom exam

CEBU, Philippines - A Cebuano cop and a graduate of the University of the Visayas bested other police officers in the country in the recently concluded promotional examination for Senior Police Officer of the National Police Commission.

 Police Officer 1 Junimark Ungab ranked first with an average of 82.50 percent on the promotional test for Senior Police Officers based on the results released this month.

 A total of 33,447 examinees took the Philippine National Police entrance and promotional examinations on November 9 last year. There were 21, 807 police examinees for promotional tests for Police Officers 2 and 3; Senior Police Officer; Police Inspector; and Police Superintendent.

 The 29-year-old cop from Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City was a nursing graduate of the University of the Visayas in 2007.

 He shared that he pursued nursing during college since his family wanted him to go abroad and earn higher compensation by working as a nurse.

 After graduation, he worked as a hospital nurse at the Visayas Community Medical Center for two years. But since his childhood dream was to become a policeman, he decided to apply as a cop.

 Ungab said that being a nurse who takes care of the well-being of a person is similar to being a cop who ensures the safety and security of the individual.

 He officially became a police officer in 2010 and is currently assigned at the Homicide Section of the Cebu City Police Office.

 He said he has since looked up to his father, Senior Police Officer 3 Iluminado Ungab who presently works at the CCPO Warrant and Subpoena Section, and described him as worthy of emulation. 

 Ungab is the second among the five siblings. His younger brother also pursued the same profession. Police Officer 1 Iad Nil Ungab is assigned at Punta Police Station.

 Ungab said he was already grateful to learn that he passed the exam which he described as difficult and tricky. He said that making it to the top was an additional blessing which he did not expect.

 He admitted that he was not an achiever and jokingly added that he was just a regular student way back.

After reporting to duty, he concentrated on reading his reviewer about basic recruit training and police-related matters for one month. 

 “Unsa akong gibasa mao gyud ang nigawas sa exam,” he shared.

 Above all, Ungab earnestly prayed to the Lord to help him pass the exams.

 “Wa gyud ko mag-expect na ma-top 1. Ang ako rang gi-ampo nga makapasar ko,” he said, adding that his inspiration of taking the exam was his family whom he dedicated his success to.

 He also thanks the Lord, his family and his colleagues at the CCPO Homicide Section for their full support in his endeavors.

 After passing the examinations, Ungab said he will continue to serve as a cop and apply for a promotion if there is a vacant position.

He then advised his colleagues and aspiring policemen to wear the uniform with respect and serve the country well.

 “Kinahanglan i-instill sa imong heart and mind na ang pagpanerbisyo kinahanglan naa’y respeto,” he said.

 Ungab further assured that he primarily aims to give what is due to others as a law enforcer. —ATO (FREEMAN)