PNP chief promotes 6 QC cops in hostage drama

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao granted spot promotions to six Quezon City policemen for successfully neutralizing an armed suspect who held hostage four people in Cubao over the weekend.

Promoted to the next rank were PO2 Jon-Jon Jano of the Quezon City Police Distrcit Special Weapons and Tactics team, SPO2 Crisanto Gerosa of the QCPD Mobile Patrol Unit, PO3 Eulogio Antonio Jr. of the QCPD SWAT, PO3 Jonathan Taguba, PO2 Elmer Lipata and PO1 Butch Raginding of QCPD Station 7.

"The policemen were cited for bravery at great risk of life. They deserve commendation and promotion to the next higher rank," Lomibao said.

The Medalya ng Sugating Magiting was awarded to Jano, who was shot by hostage taker Rosauro Inocencio. The officer is still confined at the St. Luke’s Hospital.

QCPD director Chief Superintendent Nicasio Radovan said Inocencio had been under surveillance for almost two weeks for involvement in other crimes before last Sunday’s incident.

When accosted Inocencio entered a house on Imperial street in Cubao and held hostage four people, including a one-year-old child.

When negotiations failed, police used tear gas and stormed the house.

Inocencio opened fire, hitting Jano.

The lawmen were forced to fire back, killing the suspect.