Philippine National Police chief, General Oscar Albayalde.
MANILA -- Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo M. Año conferred the Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod (Distinguished Service Medal) to Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde for the peaceful mid-term elections last May 13 during Monday's flag-raising at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“Taos-puso ko binabati ang ating PNP chief Oscar Abayalde dahil sa kanyang walang kapantay na dedikasyon nang kanyang pamunuan ang Security Task Force 2019 na nagbantay sa karapatan ng mga mamamayang bumoto noong Mayo (I give my heartfelt congratulations to PNP chief Oscar Albayalde for his unequaled dedication when he headed Security Task Force 2019 which safeguarded the people's right to suffrage last May),” Año said after he handed the award to Albayalde.
He noted there were only 43 election-related violent incidents (ERVI) this year -- a significant 60 percent drop compared to the 106 incidents recorded in 2016.
“This is no easy feat considering the 'sometimes volatile' election culture in our country and perhaps one of the biggest accomplishments that our police force achieved is being a reliable catalyst of an honest election," Año said.
“Even though prominent personalities were involved in some instances, I am proud to say that you maintained your neutrality and professionalism in the performance of your duties,” he said of Albayalde.
Aside from Albayalde, Año also awarded the 10 police officials including Northern Police District (NPD) director Brig. Gen. Rolando Anduyan for “conspicuous courage and gallantry in action” to fight the Maute Terrorist Group in Marawi City from May 23, 2017 up to October 17, 2017.
“We honor our PNP Marawi Crisis Commanders who were instrumental in ensuring that our police units deployed during the siege perform at their best, either at 'ground zero' or at the immediate periphery of the city. Their superb leadership brought out the very best in our police personnel as they executed their versatile tasks which eventually contributed to the strong message that we as a nation affirmed --terrorism has no place in the Philippines,” Año said.
Other awardees of the Medalya ng Kabayanihan (Medal of Heroism) are Police Col. Danilo Bacas, Police Lt. Col. Filmote Abdulsalam Calib, Police Col. Rex Arvin Malimban, Police Lt. Col. Arvin Malimban, Police Col. Mario Mayames, Police Lt. Col. Ledon Monte, Police Lt. Col. Lambert Suerte, Police Lt. Col. Jack Angog, Police Lt. Col. Sonnie Omengan and Police Maj. Medie Lapangan Jr.
Meanwhile, Albayalde was humbled by the award, saying "this is not only my personal gain but also for the 195,000-strong force of the PNP that is always geared up to protect and serve the Filipino people."
“This recognition of their selfless and commendable acts of heroism and sacrifice comes at a most opportune time in the heels of the national observance of the 121st Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12th,” Albayalde said. (PNA)
