(File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it will honor the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) security guard who was killed when he attempted to stop the suspect in the July 24 shooting incident at the university.
In a statement, PNP director for operations Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon said the Civil Security Group (CSG) is now coordinating with the family of Jeneven Bandiala who will be conferred with a posthumous Medalya ng Katangi-tanging Asal (Outstanding Conduct Medal).
"Security guard Jeneven Bandiala deserves this honor for the heroism he showed in safeguarding students and other individuals on campus and for supporting the PNP in bringing justice by attempting to stop the gunman from escaping. This heroic gesture cost him his life, but his bravery will be remembered forever and serve as an inspiration to his fellow security guards. He illustrated what bravery and dedication to one's vocation truly entail,” he added.
The award is given to any quasi-police force member or other civilian volunteers for their heroic acts while in action involving actual conflict with an enemy in a crime situation or life-saving situation.
Bandiala was shot after he attempted to prevent the shooter, Dr. Chao Tiao Yumol, from fleeing the school. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
De Leon said the PNP will also extend financial assistance to the family of Bandiala.
Aside from Bandiala, killed in the shooting incident were former Lamitan City, Basilan mayor Rosita Furigay and her executive assistant Victor George Capistrano.
The police force will provide the necessary assistance for the transfer of Bandiala's remains to his hometown in Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental.
"We assure Bandiala's family, the community of Ateneo, and the Filipino people that justice will be served." Appropriate charges have already been filed against the perpetrator, who has been turned over to BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) facilities,” he added.
Over the weekend, Yumol was transferred to the facility of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Payatas, Quezon City.
Yumol is set to be arraigned this week after the prosecutors' office indicted him on charges of murder and frustrated murder, among others.
The Quezon City Police District filed murder and frustrated murder complaints against Yumol before the Prosecutor's Office last July 25. (PNA)
