BOCAUE, Bulacan—The two policemen who were killed while enforcing an anti-illegal firearms operation or the Commission on Election (Comelec) gun ban law in this town were awarded the “Medalya ng Kadakilaan” (Heroism Medal) on Wednesday.
The Medalya ng Kadakilaan, one of the highest honors given to police officers who display exceptional bravery in the face of great danger, were given to the two brave heroes during a solemn tribute to them for the ultimate sacrifice they made in the line of duty.
Police Region 3 Director BGen. Jean Fajardo pinned the medals of heroism on the clothes of PSSg Dennis Cudiamat, 36 and PSSg Gian George Dela Cruz, 45, both intelligence operatives of the Bocaue municipal police station while in the respective wakes of the two officers in their homes in this town.
Fajardo said the two officers are modern heroes because they offered their lives in the protection of the community.
“Their tragic end came during a high-risk buy-bust operation against illegal firearms. The operation turned deadly when armed suspects, refusing to surrender, opened fire on the responding officers. In a courageous stand against lawlessness, PSSg Cudiamat and PSSg Dela Cruz fought valiantly but ultimately fell in the line of duty,” Fajardo addressed the families of the victims during simple awarding ceremonies.
Standing before their grieving families, the regional director vowed that their sacrifice would never be in vain. “These men stood on the frontlines, facing danger head-on so that others could live in peace. Their courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to duty will forever be remembered. The Philippine National Police (PNP) will stand by their families, ensuring that they receive the full support they deserve,” she declared.
Fajardo also ordered an intensified crackdown on criminal elements, particularly those involved in illegal firearms and violent crimes.
“We will not let their deaths go unanswered. Justice will be swift. This tragic loss strengthens our resolve to rid our communities of lawlessness and to ensure that no other family suffers this kind of heartbreak,” she added. During her visit, the Regional Director led prayers, provided financial assistance, and personally comforted the bereaved families, reaffirming that they are not alone in their sorrow.
“As the PNP mourns the loss of these two fallen warriors, their legacy of service, courage, and sacrifice will remain etched in the hearts of their fellow officers and the community they so bravely served. Their heroism will never be forgotten,” the regional director also said.
P2.2 million bounty
A P2.2 million reward money is up for the whereabouts of the suspect who killed two policemen in Bocaue town during buy-bust operations against illegal firearms on Saturday.
Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando announced a P2 million worth bounty the Bulacan Provincial Government will give to anyone who could pinpoint where one alias “Athan”, the gunman who killed the two police officers is hiding.
Fernando announced the bounty during the Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting at the Hiyas Pavilion in this city on Tuesday.
“The P2-million reward we offer is part of the concerted efforts to bring justice to our policemen who were heroes in helping keep the coming May election peaceful and orderly,” the governor said.
Fajardo also earlier released a P100,000 million reward money for the arrest of Athan.
Bocaue Vice Mayor Sherwin Tugna told NEWSCORE on Monday that Mayor Eduardo Villanueva Jr. is giving P100,000 reward money to help hasten the arrest of Athan.
Killed in line of duty
Bulacan Provincial Police Information Office chief, Maj. Jaymalin Udal said the two policemen with fellow troopers were in a buy-bust operation in violation to illegal possession of firearms in relation to the Omnibus Election Code, or the Comelec gun ban law against brothers, alias “Athan” and one alias “Dado” noon time on Saturday, March 8, in Sitio Tugatog, NIA Road, Brgy. Tambubong.
Udal said Athan fired on the police troops and wounded Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz was rushed to the nearest hospital in the town but died three hours later while undergoing treatment.
Athan then, as seen in Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage, ran towards a field to elude the police, but he was pursued by Cudiamat. At some 300 meters away, the police officer stopped and parked his motorcycle and when about to alight, was shot by the suspect who came from behind a hidden section on the side of the road where the police officer exactly parked his vehicle.
As also seen in the CCTV footage, Cudiamat had already fallen on the ground but Athan continued firing on him. He then took the motorcycle of the police and escaped.
The rest of the police operatives ran after Dado and arrested him in Bunsuran 2nd, Pandi town. Recovered from him were one Honda Beat motorcycle, one caliber .38 revolver without a serial number, one hand grenade, one Rusi 125 motorcycle with a sidecar, one genuine one-thousand-peso bill used in the buy-bust money, and four boodle money bills.
Recovered in the crime scene were multiple fired cartridge cases, deformed bullets, and a caliber .45 Para Ordnance pistol with a possibly tampered serial number, Udal said.
According to Udal, criminal charges for violations of R.A. 10591 in relation to the Omnibus Election Code, R.A. 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives) and a double murder case were already filed against Athan and Dado.
The Comelec through the Philippine National Police enforces a gun ban law from Jan. 12-June 11.
