PNoy leads PNP service anniversary, fetes top cops

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday led the 110th service anniversary of the Philippine National Police by awarding the female town police chief who led the defense against an attack by New People's Army rebels in Agusan del Sur. Aquino arrived at Camp Crame in Quezon City around 9:45 am. Among those present were former President Fidel Ramos, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Oban, DILG Undersecretary Rico Puno, Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, Rizal Rep. Romeo Acop and several foreign dignitaries. Aquino awarded Senior Inspector Charity Galvez, Trento Municipal Police Station chief, with the Medalya ng Katapangan (PNP Bravery Medal). Galvez was cited for her "conspicuous courage and gallantry in action" for leading her 30 men in fighting off some 250 NPA members that attacked them on July 30, 2011.

Aquino also awarded the Medalya ng Katapangan to Chief Inspector Allan Umipig of the Southern Police District-Intelligence Operation Unit, who figured in an armed encounter with member of a robbery/hold up group in Sucat, Paranaque last June 4. The President also gave posthumous promotions to SPO2 Ricky Agwit and SPO2 Jeff Domingo, both of Ifugao police provincial office, who perished in a landslide while on a rescue mission to assist DENR foresters at the height of a storm in the Cordilleras last July 27, 2011. Agwit and Domingo were promoted to the rank of SPO3 in recognition of their "selfless sacrifice." As of posting time, the President was delivering his speech. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News