Wounded rookie cop gets medal for fighting Samar PAGs

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — The Philippine National Police has recognized the bravery of a junior police officer who was wounded during a hot pursuit operation against members of private armed groups in Sta. Margarita, Samar.

Police Regional Office-8 Director Chief Superintendent Elmer Beltejar pinned the medal to Police Officer 1 Ringy Boy Tomale of Catbalogan City at the latter’s hospital room in this city Wednesday night.

Tomale was wounded in his left arm while chasing private armies on the night of July 23 in Lambao village, Sta. Margarita town. The lawless group were tagged as suspects in the killing of a farmer in Bahay village earlier on the same day.

“Although one of our police was injured, the hot pursuit operation killed a private army and arrested two of his wounded companions,” Beltejar told reporters.

“This is a major breakthrough against private armed groups. The two arrested persons have vital information and we expect them to tell us about their handlers,” he added. The police also recovered assorted firearms and ammunition during the operation.

Tomale, who joined the police in 2013, thanked the PNP for the wounded personnel medal. “I am more determined to help in any effort to disband all members of private armed groups in Samar. I want my home province to be peaceful,” he said. (FREEMAN)