Negros cops honored for quick response to 911 call

Two personnel of the Silay City Police Station in Negros Occidental were recognized for their swift response to a call for police assistance involving a theft incident via the 911 hotline.

Chief Master Sergeants Rene Costas and Nobel Marcasote received the Medalya ng Papuri (Commendation Medal) as a testament to their exemplary performance in line with the five-minute response strategy of the Philippine National Police.

The awarding ceremony was led by Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City on Monday.

Col. Joem Malong, public information officer of PRO-NIR, said in a statement on Tuesday that the police officers’ “swift and decisive action in responding to an alleged theft within just four seconds demonstrated outstanding alertness, readiness, and dedication.”

“Their commendable response highlights PRO-NIR’s commitment to delivering timely and effective police services,” she added.

On Aug. 12, the Silay police station received a call from the 911 hotline reporting an alleged theft in a store along Rizal St. It was immediately relayed by the technical operations center via radio to the deployed mobile patrol units in the area.

The team of Costas and Marcasote promptly responded and arrived within four seconds at the reported location, where the complainant-store owner caught two minors in the act of stealing her goods.

The two minors were referred to the City Social Welfare and Development Office Women and Youth Center.

On Aug. 11, Ibay also led the commendation for personnel of San Carlos City Police Station and Ilog Municipality Police Station for their swift response during critical incidents.

In San Carlos, deployed personnel subdued the suspect, who entered a house and stabbed one of the residents, and attacked a police officer on July 27.

On Aug. 5, patrolling officer in Ilog responded to a shooting incident, where they neutralized the suspect, who fired at them.* (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)