Cop killed in Zambo planned to wed in December

MANILA, Philippines - He would have wanted to fulfill his promise of marrying his girlfriend come December, but the wounds he sustained in battle cut deep into even the best laid plans.

Police Officer 2 Christopher Hernaez, a member of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) and one of the first casualties of the week-long fighting in Zamboanga City, died last Thursday after a three-day stay in hospital.

SAF chief Director Carmelo Valmoria said Hernaez suffered shrapnel wounds from a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fired by Moro rebels in Zamboanga City last Monday, and was rendered comatose.

“He was wearing complete protective gear and a helmet but the impact of the blast was too strong the shrapnel pierced into his helmet, skull and brain. The wounds were too deep and serious that Hernaez failed to stay longer,” Valmoria said.

Hernaez died at 4 p.m. last Thursday, hours before his girlfriend and sister could get to him at the Zamboanga City Hospital.

“I whispered to him to hang on because his girlfriend and his sister were on their way to take care of him. I was hoping that reminding him of his girlfriend and family would be a reason for him to live,” said Valmoria.

The SAF chief said he coordinated with authorities to include Hernaez’s sister and girlfriend on the C-130 plane that was supposed to arrive in Zamboanga City on Thursday morning.

The two were already at the airport when the bad news was relayed to them. They decided to just wait for Hernaez in Manila.

Hernaez was among the SAF commandos deployed on Sunday in a coastal area in Zamboanga City to block members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who were about to invade the Zamboanga City Hall.

Those close to the victim said he idolized his soldier-father so much that he took up a similar profession.

The remains of Hernaez, 32, were brought on Thursday night from Zamboanga to the SAF headquarters in Bicutan, Taguig City for an overnight wake.

“After the necrological service, Hernaez’s remains were brought to his hometown in Pangasinan,” said Valmoria.

Young cop also killed

Another casualty in the Zamboanga conflict was Inspector Jay Oy-oyan of the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB).

His remains were first taken to the Camp Crame chapel from Zamboanga City and later brought to his hometown in Tanolong, Sagada, Mountain Province.

Oy-Oyan’s aunt Dolores and younger brother Lannon guided elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to Sagada where his parents were waiting for his body.

Oy-Oyan joined the PNP only last year upon graduation from the PNP Academy.

“Let us all pray that the hearts of those in Zamboanga would soften. Let’s stop this fighting. Nobody would win,” Dolores said between sobs.

Lannon, a freshman cadet in the PNPA, told The STAR that the fate of his brother will not discourage him from pursuing a career in the police force.

“I am determined to follow the footsteps of my brother. We want to serve the people and our country,” he said.