2 wounded cops get medals, cash

CEBU, Philippines - Two cops who were wounded in a shootout with a wanted man were given recognition for their bravery yesterday morning.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Chief Supt. Danilo Constantino conferred Philippine National Police Wounded Medal or Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting on Barili Police Chief Insp. Arvi Arbuis and PO2 Pablito Caadlawon, who are still recuperating at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center’s trauma room.

Aside from the medal, financial assistance was also given to two the cops.

PO2 Jessie Sebial and PO1 Ronie Guzman will also be given commendation during a flag raising ceremony. They were with Arbuis and Caadlawon during the encounter.

“They are good examples of the police force.  They have shown heroism and courage,” Constantino said.

Both cops thanked their superiors for the support and encouragement shown to them.

Arbuis’ team was conducting police patrol when they received an information about the presence of an armed person in Barangay Dakit, Barili past 4 p.m. Wednesday.

They went to the area and approached the suspect, Arlie Satinitigan, 26, of Barangay Poblacion III, Carcar City.

But Satinitigan allegedly lobbed a hand grenade at Guzman but fortunately, the grenade did not go off.

Satinitigan allegedly drew his .9mm pistol and shot Arbuis, who was hit in his left shoulder.

Satinitigan also fired at Caadlawon who was also hit in his left upper arm.

Arbuis fired back hitting Satinitigan in the different parts of his body causing his immediate death.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac disclosed that Satinitigan was involved in criminal activities in Carcar City, Sibonga and Cebu City.

Gillamac added that Satinitigan was an alleged gun-for-hire and was probably in Barili to kill someone.

“Nalutsan siya og warrant sa kasong murder kay napatay niya iyang silingan when he was still 17 years old,” Gillamac said adding that they are yet to identify the group of Satinitigan.

The .9mm Armscor pistol of the suspect was registered under Korean Veteran Security Agency Incorporated based in Ortigas, Manila.

It was reported lost in Camp Crame.  Gillamac has yet to coordinate with the owner of the security agency.  (FREEMAN)