COMMENDABLE. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (2nd from right) pins an award on one of the two police officers who promptly responded to a robbery incident in Las Piñas City on Thursday (June 20, 2024). The two officers, Master Sergeants Avelino Lopez and Bong Panton, were wounded in the incident and are recuperating in a hospital. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)
MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) recognized two police officers for their swift response that led to the neutralization of an armed robber in Las Piñas City.
In a news release on Friday, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil awarded on Thursday the Medal of Valor, Medal of Merit, and the PNP Wounded Personnel Medal to Master Sergeants Avelino Lopez and Bong Panton for their gallantry in the face of grave danger.
The two police officers, both assigned to the Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit (TMRU) of the Las Piñas City Police Station, responded to a robbery incident inside the Olivarez Guevarra Subdivision in the city's Barangay Manuyo Dos past noon on Thursday.
Investigation showed the suspect climbed the wall of a compound inside the subdivision. He then encountered the victim inside the latter’s house and physically assaulted him, resulting in an altercation.
The suspect managed to seize the victim’s 9-mm Parabellum pistol and fled the scene on foot.
The victim sought assistance from the TMRU personnel patrolling the area.
The two police officers tracked the suspect, who attempted to escape by firing at them.
The unidentified suspect was killed in the ensuing gunfight by the responding officers.
During the encounter, Lopez and Panton sustained gunshot wounds in the leg. They were immediately transported to the Las Piñas Doctors Hospital for medical treatment and are in stable condition.
“The bravery exhibited by our officers in confronting armed threats is commendable. The NCRPO continues to intensify its anti-criminality operations, ensuring that law enforcement remains proactive and responsive to any threats and risk imposed by law violators,” Nartatez said. (PNA)
