Duterte honors cop killed in school explosion

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte on Thursday honored the police officer who died in a grenade explosion inside a college campus in Misamis Oriental last week.

Duterte posthumously conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu Magalong Medal and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Medal of Valor on M/Sgt. Jason Magno.

Duterte praised Magno for his heroic act as he used his body to shield students from the explosion.

The President along with Sen. Bong Go condoled with the family of Magno.

On Nov. 28, Ibrahim Basher broke into the Initao College while wielding a grenade and a bladed weapon.

Magno and his colleague, M/ Sgt. Alice Balido, responded to the site.

Magno died in his attempt to disarm the suspect.

Balido and 10 students were injured in the grenade blast, police said.

Duterte also visited Balido, who was awarded an Order of Lapu-Lapu Kampilan Medal for her service.

The family of Magno and Balido received financial assistance from the Office of the President.

Duterte ordered the PNP to ensure the safety of the victims and their families from possible retaliation from those affiliated with the suspect. 

He also instructed the presidential staff to help the families of Magno and Balido with their medical and employment needs. 

Go said he would file a Senate resolution on Monday to recognize the two police officers for their courage and heroism.

He described Magno’s deeds as “supreme self-sacrifice and distinctive acts of heroism and gallantry.”

Sen. Sonny Angara will also file a resolution to honor Magno.

“He responded to the call of duty to protect the lives of civilians. Without thinking of his own safety, he used his body to cover the grenade, saving more lives but tragically losing his own in the process,” Angara said.

“It is only proper that the Senate recognizes Magno for his heroism. It is men like him who represent the best of the PNP and Filipinos as a whole,” he said.