• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A police non-commissioned officer, who was shot by a suspect during a buy-bust in Barangay Magticol, Toboso, Negros Occidental, received a medal in recognition of his bravery and financial assistance from the Police Regional Office-6.
PBrig. Gen. Jack Wanky, police regional director of Western Visayas, conferred the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting to PSSgt. Ronie Melgar at a private hospital in Bacolod City.
Melgar was wounded during an armed confrontation with the suspects during an anti-illegal drug operation in Toboso, Negros Occidental on June 8.
The assailant, suspected drug peddler Albert Alico, 32, alias Nonoy Gahe shot Melgar in the right arm.
Alico evaded arrest, leaving behind his two companions, alias Kempee, 45, and alias Aries, 30.
Operatives apprehended the two suspects and seized 61 grams of suspected shabu worth P414,000, a caliber .45 pistol and various ammunition, and assorted drug paraphernalia.
“This courageous act is worthy of emulation and even inspires others that despite danger in drug operation, someone is willing to offer his life for the security and protection of the citizens,” Wanky said in a statement.
Appropriate charges are being readied against the suspects. | GB
