Noy promotes gunless lady cop who captured robber

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III himself recommended the promotion of a policewoman who was able to arrest a suspected criminal even if she was unarmed.

In his speech during the distribution of new Glock pistols in Camp Crame on Tuesday, Aquino praised Police Officer 2 Edlyn Arbo, who pursued a hold-upper, identified as Christopher Berana, in a jeep she boarded in Sta. Mesa, Manila last April 4.

Berana, a suspected gang member who was armed with a knife, declared a hold-up inside a jeepney boarded by mostly female passengers, including Arbo.

Related story: Lady cop nakipaglaban sa holdaper, pinarangalan

The female cop used her knowledge in martial arts to disarm Berana. And despite being stabbed in her left thigh, Arbo still pursued the suspect until he was arrested with the help of bystanders.

"Hindi niya inalintana ang kawalan ng baril, at natamong sugat sa engkuwentro. Tapang, pananagutan, at kasanayan bilang pulis ang tanging sandata niya para panagutin ang holdaper. Kita naman po n’yo ang kababaihan," Aquino said of Arbo.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Arbo was a recipient of the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting or Wounded Medal for her fete.

The female cop also received several awards from other award giving bodies and Non-Government Organizations for her accomplishment.

"The heroic act of PO2 Arbo is indeed exceptional as she showed that gender is not a hindrance to becoming the organization's pride. This incident is a classic example of a police's heroism, ready to risk life and limb to uphold the law and defend others from danger and harm," said a post in the official Facebook page of the PNP Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) 2013.

The President also lauded PO2 Felipe Moncatar, who was also able to apprehended bad elements even if he was gunless.

Aquino recommended the promotion of the two police officers to Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and Director General Alan Purisima, PNP chief.

"Saludo ang buong bayan sa inyong katapangan at pananagutan; at sa buong hanay ng ating kapulisan na walang pinipiling sitwasyon at pagkakataon upang maglingkod sa kapwa at bansa," he said.

"‘Yong mga ganyang gandang gilas palagay ko naman ay talagang naman yan ang definition ng meritorious promotion, see to it that these two are promoted," Aquino told Roxas and Purisima.

On Tuesday, Aquino led the distribution of the first batch of new 22,603 Glock 17 Generation 4 Cal.9mm. pistols.

The government purchased a total of 74, 879 new handguns to provide all policemen in the country with service firearms.