Palace defenders promoted

After three years, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) finally approved the promotion of 1,418 police officers who helped in thwarting the May 1, 2001 uprising staged by the supporters of deposed President Joseph Estrada.

Napolcom officer-in-charge Commissioner Linda Hornilla said the promotions were approved on Jan. 16.

In a statement, Hornilla also defended the agency from criticisms by the PNP, which blamed Napolcom for the delay of the approval of the promotions.

Hornilla said the initial list of promoted police personnel was submitted to the Napolcom only in October 2003. She added that the names of the promoted police officers were screened based on the recommendations of the PNP Special Promotions, Awards and Decorations Board (SPADB).

The Napolcom commissioner added that the agency had to weed out names of police officers who were allegedly "inserted" into the list submitted.

Hornilla said Napolcom came out with the approval after a "long and arduous process" of double-checking the discrepancies to avoid demoralization among those who actually participated in the operations.

Hornilla said the special promotions are for police officers, whose ranks range from Police Officer 1 to Chief Inspector, in recognition of their acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in upholding the law and preserving peace and order in the face of a raging mob during the days leading to the so-called May 1 siege at Malacañang. — Christina Mendez