Marbil confers heroism award to slain intelligence officer
PARANG, Maguindanao Del Norte – Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Rommel Francisco Marbil conferred a posthumous heroism award to the police intelligence officer killed by gunmen here on Sunday, December 1.
Police Master Sergeant John Manuel Bongcawil, a decorated police officer, was about to board the family vehicle with his wife and two children when he was killed by two gunmen at the car park of the Cotabato City Mall around 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Lt. Colonel Jopy Ventura, spokesperson of PRO-BAR, said the gunmen fled on board an NMAX motorcycle. Bongcawil sustained gunshot wounds in the head and stomach, which resulted in his death.
Marbil visited the wake on Tuesday to condole with Bongcawil’s widow and children and conferred to him the PNP Heroism Medal (Medalya ng Kadakilaan) for his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of living above and beyond the call of duty during his conduct of casing and surveillance operations against wanted persons.”
According to a report by the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BAR), Bongcawil had ongoing casing and surveillance operations against a wanted person at the time he was attacked.
The PRO-BAR office did not give additional details.
Article continues after this advertisementMarbil also handed over financial assistance from the PNP to Bongcawil’s family and extended his condolences. He assured Bongcawil’s family that the PNP would provide unwavering support to them and ensure that justice would be served.
Article continues after this advertisementBongcawil’s widow also received financial aid from the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Incorporated and the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. She will also receive other benefits from the PNP.
Bongcawil, who joined the PNP on June 15, 2011, belonged to the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class of 2011-01 “Kalis.”
