6 Negros Occ cops get medals for bravery

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines —Recognitions for bravery were given to the five Negros Occidental policemen who, although heavily outnumbered, fought back against their assailants during an October 3 ambush in Cauayan town. Their station chief was also given a similar recognition.

Chief Superintendent Hawthorne Cesar Binag, director of the Police Regional Office-6, conferred the Medalya ng Papuri on the five policemen during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony held at the Bacolod City Government Center.

Honored were Senior Police Officer 1 Jeorge Anthony Lorenton, Police Officer 3 Turk Libo-on, PO2 Thom Ambale Mamigo, and PO1s John Mabayag and Sunny Boy Llena.

Chief Inspector Gary Alan Resuma, Cauayan Police chief, also received a similar medal. He said they appreciated very much the recognition extended to them by the PNP

The five, on board a police car, were responding to a reported robbery-hold-up incident, when they were ambushed by about 30 New People's Army rebels at Barangay Caliling in Cauayan.

They were not hit, however, but two foreigners and their driver, who happened to pass by the ambush site, were hit in the crossfire.

Although outnumbered, the five Cauayan policemen were able to repulse the overwhelming strength of the enemy by firing back and keeping themselves unharmed, Binag said.

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. on Tuesday said he was thankful that the Cauayan ambush was not given much attention by the international press, although the incident victimized two foreigners.