CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) on Tuesday gave a hero's welcome to fallen Marawi City police officer Inspector Edwin Placido, one of the two Kapampangan officers killed during the initial clash between government troops and the Maute terrorist group.
“Nakakalungkot isipin na isa sa ating mga kasama at kapatid sa serbisyo ay nasawi ngunit alam naman nating lahat na ang buhay nating mga pulis ay lagging nasa panganib. (It is sad to think that one of our brothers in the service was killed. Although we all know that our lives as policemen is always in danger. And, still, we continuously perform our mandated tasks, even finding ways and means to go beyond our call of duty," PRO3 director Chief Superintendent Amador V. Corpus said during the ceremony.
Placido hailed from the City of San Fernando, Pampanga and was detailed at the PRO3 before he was deployed to Marawi City.
The PRO3 chief hailed Placido's bravery and sacrifice that served in the best tradition of the Philippine National Police.
"To the family of the late Police Inspector Placido, the entire Police Regional Office 3 can never be prouder of him who chose to die fighting to liberate Marawi City and to spare our country from possible multiple terror attack," he said.
On May 25, Placido and another Kapampangan 1st Lt. Frederick Savellano were among the first to sacrifice their lives in defending Marawi City from local terrorists.
However, Placido's body was not immediately found as it was in the middle of the clash site.
After several unsuccessful attempts, government security forces led by Placido’s brother, Supt. Anthony Placido, found skeletal remains in a police uniform with Edwin’s nameplate last September 14 .
A DNA forensic examination eventually confirmed it to be Placido's remains.
As an expression of respect for the bravery and heroism of Placido, the Philippine flag in the camp was hoisted at half-mast. (PNA)
