CENTRAL LUZON TOP COP AWARDS ‘MEDALYA NG SUGATANG MAGITING’ TO OFFICER WOUNDED IN ARMED ENCOUNTER

BY KEVIN GALANG

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting to a police officer wounded in an armed encounter with a robber in  Nueva Ecija.

The Central Luzon top cop personally visited Police Staff Sergeant Jake Jacinto of the Bongabon police who  sustained injuries in a firefight with robbery suspects on February 17.

Jacinto was among the responding personnel who conducted a dragnet operation after a reported robbery. 

The operation led to an armed confrontation with fleeing suspects, during which the officer was injured while carrying out his duty to protect the community.

In recognition of his bravery and dedication to service, Jacinto received the “Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting,” one of the awards given by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to personnel who are wounded in the line of duty as a result of courageous action.

Peñones also extended financial assistance to the wounded officer during his visit at Camp Olivas while additional support was provided by the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc. to help cover medical and recovery expenses.

The official commended Jacinto’s courage and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel under the leadership of PNP chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr..

“Ang sakripisyo ng ating mga pulis sa linya ng tungkulin ay patunay ng kanilang tunay na malasakit sa bayan,” Peñones said, emphasizing that strengthening morale and welfare remains part of the PNP’s focused agenda. 

He added that PRO3 continues to uphold its 3Ps directive — Protect the People, Pursue Peace and Order, and Promote Professionalism — in delivering what he described as “serbisyong tapat, mabilis at nararamdaman.”

The recognition underscores the PNP’s continuing efforts to ensure that officers who risk their lives in the line of duty receive institutional support and proper acknowledgment.

PRO3 reiterated its commitment to intensify operations against criminality while safeguarding the well-being of its personnel across Central Luzon.