Makati government to honor 2 police heroes

The two members of the Makati police bomb squad killed during the Rizal Day bombings last year will be honored alongside national hero Jose Rizal by the Makati City government tomorrow.

Mayor Jejomar Binay announced that a memorial service would be held in honor of Chief Inspector Nestor Salvador and Senior Inspector Roberto Gutierrez of the bomb squad.

Binay said that the city will hold the memorial service every year starting this year, along with the handing out of awards for leadership and achievement to members of the Makati Police.

"December 30 will be a day dedicated to our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and the heroes of Makati, among them Nestor Salvador and Roberto Gutierrez," Binay said.

The policemen were killed when a bomb they were trying to diffuse exploded in a construction area at the corner of Pasay Road and EDSA December 30 last year.

The bomb was discovered outside a nearby hotel and was brought to the vacant lot.

A marker for the "Heroes of the Makati Police Department" in memory of the two policemen will also be unveiled tomorrow along with the announcement of the establishment of a Heroes’ Foundation.

Binay, who serves as the honorary chairman, said the foundation will provide financial and other forms of assistance to the families of Makati policemen killed in the line of duty.

Members of the foundation include city officials, businessmen, civic leaders and prominent Makati City residents.

"It is the community’s way of expressing its gratitude to the men and women of the Makati Police Department for making our city safe," Binay said.