| GENERAL SANTOS CITY—President Rodrigo Duterte commended the men and women of the Police Regional Office here for a job well done under the “Project Double Barrel” anti-illegal drugs operations conducted in the region.
In his visit at the police regional office in Tambler on Friday, September 23, President Duterte inspected an assortment of confiscated firearms ranging from small caliber handguns, rifles to machine-guns and grenade launchers.
The weapons were seized from General Santos City, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and neighboring provinces.
The President personally commended the team leaders of task forces that apprehended drug syndicate members with their high-powered firearms, drug paraphernalia, and even bomb-making components.
On top of the medals, each awardee also received P200,000 cash for their exemplary performance in the fight against illegal drugs.
Awarded with a “Medalya ng Kagalingan” were PSI Reynante Pascua and PSI Renato Monreal. The award was in recognition of their accomplishment to neutralize members of a terror group including the seizure of firearm.
Those who received the “Medalya ng Kagalingan” were PSupt. Maximo Sebastian, Jr., PO3 Marcial Inuguitan and PO2 Jeffrey Benito for neutralizing a group engaged in the illegal drug trade.
Also awarded with a “Medalya ng Kasanayan” was PSupt. Joefel Remodaro for his anti-terrorism accomplishment.
A meritorious medal was also awarded by President Duterte to PSupt. Joefel Siason, PCI. Mary Grace Licudan, PCI Lorenzo Hernaez III, PCI Giovani Ladeo, PCI Niel Wadingan and PSI Felix Fornan.
In his speech, President Duterte defended the Philippine National Police (PNP) against criticisms of alleged extrajudicial killings.
He reminded the policemen of their mandate to go after lawless elements and defend themselves in life-threatening situation.
The President likewise assured them that he is standing by them for as long as they are doing their job, especially in the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.
“Pag sinunod ninyo ako, wala kayong problema, ako ang bahala sa inyo. Hindi ako papayag na may militar o pulis makulong dahil sa utos ko kasi ang bayan natin hirap. Hirap na hirap ang bayan natin sa droga,” Duterte said. ### PND
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