PRO-7 honors 11 female cops, civilian personnel

CEBU, Philippines —  Eleven policewomen and female civilian personnel of Police Regional Office-7 were given recognition Monday during the opening of the 2021 National Women’s Month celebration for their outstanding performance.

The awardees are Police Lt. Colonel Mary Crystal Peralta; Police Major Marylou A. Cuizon; Police Chief Master Sergeant Floressa Pineda; Police Master Sergeant Queen Brigitte Nuñez; Police Corporal Mannelyn Galarion; and Police Corporal Judilun Ommalin, all assigned at PRO-7 headquarters in Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr. in Cebu City.

Police Corporal Cherly Toloria and Non-Uniformed Personnel (NUP) Sofia Martinez, both of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO); NUP Luz Abenir of Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO); and NUP Maria Dalia Arnibal of Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO).

PRO-7 also awarded Leslie Lim, president of PNP-PRO7 Officers Ladies’ Club, and NUP Ava Marie Zorrilla, regional accountant, for their significant contribution in the renovation of the PRO-7 Child Development Center.

Peralta, chief of Tagbilaran City Police Station in Bohol, said she runs her police station like a home.

“Ipagpalagay natin na ang isang police station ay isa ring tahanan, kailangan dito ay may isang ilaw, so ang isang istasyon kung tayo ay isang babaeng chief of police kailangan ilagay natin hindi lang yung isip, hindi lang yung ilaw, kung hindi ilagay din natin yung puso natin sa ating mga tao,” said Peralta.

“Bilang ina ng Tagbilaran Police Station, pinapakita ko sa kanila, pinapadama ko sa kanila na ang chief of police nila ay isang ina rin dahil ang ating mga ina ay ating kakampi,” she added.

Peralta led the successful buy-bust operation in Tagbilaran City that resulted in the arrest of two high-value individuals.

The Women’s Month celebration this year has a theme: “We Make Change Work for Women. Juana Laban Sa Pandemya: Kaya!’”

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) director Salome Siaton was the guest speaker during last Monday’s opening ceremony at PRO-7 headquarters.

Siaton lauded the female officers in the police service for being the protectors of the public.

“I believe your motto, to serve and to protect, also means treating everyone, regardless of gender, with respect and protect human dignity, while maintaining and upholding the human rights of all. Respect is one of the greatest expressions of love. And I think the entire police force has just demonstrated that for all women in their ranks today,” Siaton said. — FPL (FREEMAN)