By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

The Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome conferred the Medalya ng Kagalingan to 16 members of the Region 1 police during an awarding ceremony here this morning (June 26).

Recipients of medals are all members of the San Carlos City Police in Pangasinan who clashed with and neutralized a group of cattle rustlers about two months ago.

PDG Bartolome awarded the Medalya ng Kagalingan to the three Police Commissioned Officers (PCOs) and 13 Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs) in recognition of their bravery and exemplary conduct shown during the armed encounter with cattle rustlers that happened in Sitio Sipit, Bacnar, San Carlos City, Pangasinan on April 15, 2012.

During the encounter, the operatives neutralized/and or killed one of the suspects and recovered the stolen cattle, one caliber .38 revolver loaded with ammunition, two spent shells and one MK2 fragmentation grenade.

The awardees are Police Senior Inspector Resty C. Ventenilla, PSInsp. Joseph Mark L. Sibayan, PInsp. Gerardo G. Macaraeg Jr., Senior Police Officer 1 Rodolfo P. Resuello Jr., Police Officer 2 Jeorge A. Abao III, and Police Officer One’s (PO1s) Christopher R. Jarillo, Benedicto M. Agustin II, Mark Argel D. De Guzman, Rolando C. Ventenilla, Welber A. Poquiz, Crispin T. Dela Cruz, Jayson C. Macasieb, Sander S. Claveria, Gilson U. Pagsolingan, Christian Jaybee B. Bugarin and Gilbert G. Palisoc.

Police Chief Superintendent Franklin Jesus B. Bucayu, Region 1 Police Director, said the accomplishment of his men is a manifestation that PRO1 is equipped with able and capable police force who are willing to risk life and limbs to ensure the safety of the community.

Bucayu also said that these policemen displayed great concern and dedication in sustaining the Police Regional Office 1′s legacy as “Home of the Citizen Friendly Policemen and Protectors of Human Rights.”

Earlier, Bucayu commended the team and expressed satisfaction over the positive development, even as he reminded his men to continue sustaining PRO1′s anti-criminality initiatives.

The awarding coincided with the first command visit of Director General Bartolome since he became the head of the PNP in September 2011.