Decorated Bohol cop laid to rest

CEBU, Philippines - The Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) awarded a medal of heroism to Police Officer 2 Rey Anthony Nazareno who was killed during the encounter between government troops and suspected Abu Sayyaf Group members in Sitio Ilaya, Barangay Napo, Inabanga town in Bohol last April 11.

BPPO Director Senior Superintendent Felipe Natividad told The FREEMAN in a phone interview yesterday that the police conferred a Medalya ng Kadakilaan on Nazareno, which was received by his family during the necrological service at the municipal cemetery of Calape town in Bohol yesterday afternoon.

“Ni-risk niya yung life niya para sa pagpapatahimik ng Bohol simply because he doesn’t want those ASG in Bohol,” Natividad said.

It was Nazareno’s sixth award. He was 30.

Over the past five years of being in the service, Nazareno received five accolades. He got a Medalya ng Kagalingan, a Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Visayas and a Medalya ng Papuri. He also received a Medalya ng Kasanayan twice.

Nazareno was born in Barili town, southern Cebu but was raised in Calape in Bohol.

He took up a degree in Bachelor of Science in Criminology at the University of Cebu and graduated in 2010.

When he officially entered the police force, he was assigned to BPPO’s Special Weapons and Tactics team.

Yesterday, a crowd of family members, colleagues and supporters ushered the slain police officer to his final resting place in Calape. Before that, a Mass was held at the San Vicente Ferrer Parish Church around 10 a.m.

SWAT and BPPO personnel including high-ranking officials like Natividad and Police Regional Office-7 Director Senior Superintendent Noli Taliño paid their last respects and gave their salute to Nazareno for the last time.

Around 1:30 p.m., the SWAT members offered the customary 21-gun salute in honor of their fallen comrade amid a mournful drum and bugle accompaniment. At this point, Nazareno’s family could not hide their emotions.

Natividad said that with the efforts showed by Nazareno in fighting against the bandits, he hopes that the slain cop will serve as an inspiration to other police personnel and aspiring policemen.

“Ituloy natin yung inumpisahan niya para hindi mawalan ng saysay,” he said.

Natividad added that they will also extend financial assistance to Nazareno’s family. (FREEMAN)