Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil commended the swift response of Antipolo policemen following a road rage incident that escalated into a shooting last Sunday, March 30.
Eight personnel from the Antipolo Component City Police Station (CCPS) received the "Medalya ng Kagalingan" for their prompt action in capturing the suspect who shot four individuals.
The recognized personnel are as follows:
- Police Lieutenant Orlando Santos Jalmasco
- Police Chief Master Sergeant Ranel Delos Santos Cruz
- Police Corporal Kaveen John Rubia Vea
- Police Corporal Joeban Acosta Abendaño
- Police Corporal Niño Cipriano Chavez
- Patrolman Reylan Rivarez De Chavez
- Patrolman Michael Keith Lalican Panganiban
- Patrolman John Mark Bacli Manahan
The officers assigned to a COMELEC checkpoint at the time of the incident quickly coordinated to apprehend the suspect and successfully recovered the firearm used in the crime, along with other pieces of evidence.
"Dahil sa agarang pagresponde ng ating mga pulis, napigilan ang mas malalang insidente at agad na nadakip ang suspek. Ito ang klase ng propesyonalismo at dedikasyon na isinusulong ng PNP. Patuloy kaming magbabantay upang tiyakin ang kapayapaan at hustisya para sa ating mga mamamayan," Marbil said during the awarding ceremony held in Antipolo City.
Meanwhile, Rizal PPO Director PCol. Felipe Maraggun said that the shooting incident stemmed from a road altercation.
One victim remains in critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head and is currently undergoing surgery, while another is still recovering. Meanwhile, two of the victims have already been discharged from the hospital.
The suspect now faces charges of 3 counts of frustrated murder, violation of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), and violation of the Omnibus Election Code due to the ongoing gun ban.
CALABARZON Police Chief PBGen. Paul Kenneth Lucas emphasized that self-defense cannot be used as an excuse in this case, as the victims were unarmed.
Meanwhile, Marbil said that the PNP is considering the imposition of a "lifetime ban" on firearm licenses for those who violate the election gun ban.
