The Philippine National Police (PNP) has honored two officers who were injured while attempting to stop a fellow officer during a violent incident in North Cotabato on December 28. The officers, Cpl. Kent Maurith Pamaos and Pat. Russel Love Tapia from the 11th Regional Mobile Force Battalion, were awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting, or Wounded Medal, for their bravery. This recognition underscores the PNP’s dedication to celebrating officers who exceed their duty’s demands.
The officers were each given PHP100,000 by PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and an additional PHP50,000 by Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete, the Director of Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-11). The incident occurred at a border checkpoint in Barangay New Opon, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, where the officers were stationed. They were attacked by Cpl. Alfred Dawatan Sabas, who had just killed a passenger on a Mindanao Star bus.
In an attempt to disarm the intoxicated Sabas, Pamaos and Tapia were shot at, but Sabas managed to escape after the confrontation. He was eventually captured in Barangay Kinuskusan. Brig. Gen. Rosete praised the officers for their courage and commitment, noting their actions as a powerful example of the sacrifices made by law enforcement to safeguard communities.
Legal proceedings against Sabas include a double frustrated murder case filed in Digos City and another complaint for the killing in North Cotabato. Further tests revealed that Sabas was positive for illegal drugs, as confirmed by the Regional Forensic Unit-11.