2 Bulacan cops killed in anti-illegal gun ops get hero’s medals
BOCAUE, BULACAN — The two police officers who were killed while enforcing the Commission on Election’s gun ban in this town were awarded the “Medalya ng Kadakilaan” (Heroism Medal) on Wednesday.
The Medalya ng Kadakilaan, one of the highest honors given to police officers who display exceptional bravery in the face of great danger, were given during a solemn tribute to the two slain cops.
Police Region 3 chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo pinned the medals of heroism on the clothes of Police Staff Sergeants (PSSg) Dennis Cudiamat, 36, and Gian George Dela Cruz, 45, both intelligence operatives of the Bocaue police, at their respective wakes in this town.
Fajardo said the two officers are modern heroes for offering their lives in the protection of the community.
“Their tragic end came during a high-risk buy-bust operation against illegal firearms. The operation turned deadly when armed suspects, refusing to surrender, opened fire on the responding officers. In a courageous stand against lawlessness, PSSg Cudiamat and PSSg Dela Cruz fought valiantly but ultimately fell in the line of duty,” Fajardo addressed the families of the victims at the awarding ceremonies.
Fajardo said their sacrifice would never be in vain, saying, “These men stood on the frontline, facing danger head-on so that others could live in peace. Their courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to duty will forever be remembered. The Philippine National Police (PNP) will stand by their families, ensuring that they receive the full support they deserve.”
Crackdown
Fajardo also ordered an intensified crackdown on criminal elements, particularly those involved in illegal firearms and violent crimes.
“We will not let their deaths go unanswered. Justice will be swift. This tragic loss strengthens our resolve to rid our communities of lawlessness and to ensure that no other family suffers this kind of heartbreak,” she added.
During her visit, Fajardo led prayers, provided financial assistance, and personally comforted the bereaved families.
Maj. Jaymalin Udal, Bulacan police information chief, said the two policemen were in a team engaged in an anti-illegal gun operation on March 8 in Sitio Tugatog in Barangay Tambubong targeting brothers “Athan” and “Dado.”
Udal said Athan fired at the police troops and wounded Dela Cruz, who was taken to the nearest hospital but died while undergoing treatment.
Athan, as seen in closed circuit television camera footage, ran towards a field to elude the police, but he was pursued by Cudiamat. However, the policeman was shot from behind by Athan, who was lying in wait, as the cop was alighting from his motorcycle.
Cudiamat had already fallen to the ground but Athan continued firing at him before he fled on board the policeman’s motorcycle.
Athan remained at large. But Dado was caught in Pandi town by pursuing police officers.
Charges for violations of Republic Act 10591 in relation to the Omnibus Election Code, R.A. 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives) and a double murder case had been filed against Athan and Dado.
Bounty
Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando has announced a P2-million reward for information on the whereabouts of Athan.
“The P2-million reward we offer is part of the concerted efforts to bring justice to our policemen who were heroes in helping keep the coming May election peaceful and orderly,” the governor said during the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting on Tuesday.
Another P200,000 were also been dangled for Athan’s arrest, at P100,000 each from the region’s police and the Bocaue local government.
