Igorot cop int’l mixed martial arts winner cited by PNP

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad Benguet -- Crisanto G. Pitpitunge, an Igorot mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, was awarded by top regional police brass here for winning the Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC) International Fight via unanimous decision 30-27 against Saipan’s Josh Duenas on July 27, 2014 in Guam, USA.

Cordillera police director Chief Supt. IsaganiNerez, pinned the MedalyangKasanayan to Police Officer 1 Pitpitunge, 27, a native of Kapangan, Benguet, a Criminology graduate from the University of the Cordilleras.

Pitpitunge is now assigned at the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB).

Nerez said Pitpitunge was awarded for “demonstrating high sense of hard work and determination to excel and win in his fight against Saipan’s MMA fighter. His triumph in the field of mixed martial arts showcased PRO-Cordillera’s expertise in combat sports and in promoting healthy lifestyle and fitness.”

Pitpitunge is now holder of the No. 1 contender in flyweight division and was a bantamweight MMA champion in the Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC) last year.

 He started as gold medalist playing Wushu in the Local and National Games since 2008 under Baguio Benguet Educational Athlete League (BBEAL).

After a year, he enhanced his skills by joining Team Lakay and played mixed martial arts in the Universal Reality Combat Challenge (URCC) garnering 6 wins and 3 losses.

In wushu competitions, he won 2 gold and a silver medal and awarded  Athlete of the year by the University of Cordilleras.

 Determined to excel in sports, he entered the police service on July 2, 2012 when he won as bantamweight champion and awarded as Fighter of the Year by Kafagway Awards.

 Nerez proudly pitpitunge for his remarkable achievement, wherein he exemplified the true  value of sportsmanship worthy of praise by his colleagues in the service.

He said Pitpitunge will be a motivation to other police fighters to excel in their field of expertise.