106 cops who served in Basilan welcomed home

CAMP BADO DANGWA, LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Chief Supt. Benjamin B. Magalong and top brass of regional police welcomed home Feb. 6 some 106 police officers who served and maintained peace in Basilan, Mindanao.

Magalong, Cordilelra police director said the contingent were deployed in Basilan for more than six months from June 29, 2011 to Feb. 3 and for the first time in the history of peacekeeping in Basilan, its people and political leaders requested the extension of the tour-of-duty of the Cordillera police contingent.

He said this was because of their high sense of responsibility and effort in maintaining peace and order that resulted to a generally tranquil and peaceful Isabela City.

As sign of gratitude, Cherry Santos Acbar, mayor of Isabela City sent through Chief Insp. Allan Guyguyon , company commander of Basilan Contingent; a framed “Cris” to regional director Magalong.

Other officers of the Basilan Contingent were Senior Inspectors Radino Belley, Jaime Nadela, CeriloPanawan, Allan Agwaking and Police Inspectors Julito Rabena and Jeffrey Fontanilla.

All officers and 100 other members of the contingent were awarded MedalyangKasanayan and a privilege to choose their unit assignments after a 15-day vacation leave.

Meanwhile proper honors were rendered yesterday to the late SPO4 Romeo Sibaluca member of the contingent who died a natural death last Dec. 25 during his tour-of-duty in Basilan during the 21st foundation anniversary celebration of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera.