Marawi cops get medals, promotion

MANILA, Philippines — The National Police Commission (Napolcom)  awarded medals to five police officials and promoted 57 police officers for their meritorious performance during the Marawi siege.

Lt. Cols. Lambert Suerte, Jack Echman Angog, Mario Mayames Jr., Ledon Monte and Rex Arvin Malimban, Special Action Force commanders, received the Medalya ng Kabayanihan or Distinguished Conduct Medal as provided under Napolcom Resolution 2019-340.

The Napolcom also approved the promotion of 57 police officers upon the recommendation of PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde.

“The police contingents were able to gain ground in every target... during the offensive,” Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rogelio Casurao said.

A total of 920 militants, including the Maute brothers and Abu Sayyaf chieftain Isnilon Hapilon, were killed while 1,777 residents were rescued by government troopers during the fighting, which lasted for five months.

“The courage displayed by these valiant police officers earned for themselves not only the admiration of the members of the PNP, but also of the people they had sworn to serve,” Casurao said.