MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino made special mention of three police officers who serve as an inspiration, citing them for their bravery, commitment to enforce the law, and public service in his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City.
Police Officer 2 Edlyn Arbo of the Eastern Police District, PO2 Felipe Moncatar of the Bacolod City police, and PO2 Dondon Sultan of the Quezon City police were present at the gallery and stood up as the President recalled their respective accomplishments during his SONA.
Arbo fought a robber while on board a passenger jeepney traveling along R. Magsaysay St. in Manila last April 2.
The robber stabbed her in the legs and slashed her fingers but Arbo managed to grab the kitchen knife.
The culprit later pulled out an ice pick, but Arbo grabbed the weapon and stabbed him in the back while he was trying to jump off the jeepney. Arbo chased and arrested the robber.
Moncatar, on the other hand, arrested several wanted persons despite having no firearm issued to him by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
He has been in the police service for almost seven years but the PNP has not issued him a service firearm.
Moncatar said he just bought a secondhand 9 mm pistol to help him perform his job as law enforcer.
Sultan had earlier received a citation for an act of kindness he performed for a stranger who later posted his experience on a social networking site.
The policeman stopped and assisted a motorist whose car broke down along Quezon Avenue last month. He even escorted the motorist to a nearby repair shop.
President Aquino said the actions of Arbo, Moncatar, and Sultan were the true essence of public service.