CEBU, Philippines - Four officers of the Women and Children Protection Desk were given commendations yesterday morning by the Cebu Provincial Police Office for their exemplary works.
Of the 51 police stations and with more than 2,000 policemen, the four policewomen excelled in the male-dominated profession.
SPO4 Elsa Albuera, of the Barili Police Station; PO2 Rowena Santillan, of the Carcar City Police Station; and PO2 Junalyn Entrina, of the Alcoy Police Station were commended for successfully handling the most number of cases involving children and women which were also filed in court.
SPO1 Shiela Melendres, who is assigned at the Cebu Provincial Police Office, was also given a commendation for being the second placer in the recently concluded Criminal Investigation Course.
Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, director of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, said they are recognizing the achievements of the policewomen in Cebu province in line with the celebration of Women’s Month.
“This is a unique achievement of our WCPD officers.” Comendador told The FREEMAN.
Vice Governor Agnes Magpale who is also the chairman of the Committee on Women, Family and Minors, attended the awarding. Albuera, who is already 22 years in the service, and the wife of Argao deputy SPO4 Esteban Albuera, said that her love for the profession made her an effective and dedicated police officer.
She was a contender of the Police Woman of the Year 2011 but was not able to comply with the necessary documents.
Albuera said she did not expect any reward in the performance of her job.
“Dili sad ko mag-apas ug oras kung kanus-a humanon ang trabaho. Kung kinahanglan, himuon gyud, (I do not count the hours. If something has to be accomplished, I make sure that I finish it.)” she said.
She revealed that on days where there are no complaints, she usually visits the barangays and conduct seminars.
In a separate interview, Entrina admitted that she was surprised when she was informed about her award.
She graduated Bachelor of Science in Criminology on 2002 and has been in the service for eight years.
Santillan and Melendres are also proud that CPPO recognized their efforts, saying the award serves as an inspiration in pursuing their careers and in serving the public the best way they can. (FREEMAN)