Senators honor cop who survived shootout with gunmen in Zamboanga
Photos screengrabbed from the Senate’s livestream.
MANILA, Philippines — Senators on Monday honored a police officer for his bravery and dedication after surviving a shootout with two gunmen in Zamboanga City on New Year’s Eve.
In adopting Senate P.S. Res. No. 1270, the Senate commended Police Senior Master Sergeant Ryan Mariano who was wounded while on covert security duty after two gunmen opened fire at him in Barangay Ayala, Zamboanga City.
READ: Murder suspect, pal killed in shootout with cop in Zamboanga City
In a video presented by Senator Bato Dela Rosa, Mariano was shown passing by along a road in Zamboanga City when he was suddenly approached and fired at by a riding-in-tandem.
Mariano quickly reacted, immediately running to cross the street to maneuver away from his attackers.
Article continues after this advertisementOnce he gained distance, Mariano shot back, successfully intercepting both attackers almost immediately even with the odds against him.
Article continues after this advertisementMariano suffered wounds to his chest and leg, while his attackers were pronounced dead—one on the spot, and the other on hospital arrival.
As it turns out, the attackers were two of the most wanted criminals in Zamboanga Peninsula, said Dela Rosa.
“They are known to be involved in drug trafficking and several shooting incidents. They had been under surveillance for their criminal activities that have caused distress in the community,” said Dela Rosa.
Due to his achievement, Dela Rosa and the other senators recognized Mariano’s “extraordinary ability to swiftly perform their sworn duty of ensuring public safety, and their ability to go well beyond it.”
The Senate then also honored Bureau of Corrections Officer 1 Melvin Cabanal, who covered Mariano while he was being shot at, as seen in the video, as well as Zamboanga City Police Chief Kimberly Molitas for having the foresight to deploy Mariano in the area during New Year’s Eve.
“Mariano, Magnaye, and Molitas, triple M of Zamboanga City … Lubos ang aming pasasalamat sa inyong sakripisyo at dedikasyon na panatilihing ligtas ang ating publiko at komunidad. Nawa ay magsilbi kayong inspirasyon sa iba pang miyembro ng ating law enforcement agencies, pati na rin ng mga matatapat nating mamamayan,” said Dela Rosa.
(We are deeply grateful for your sacrifice and dedication to keep our public and community safe. May you serve as an inspiration to other members of our law enforcement agencies, as well as our honest citizens.)
“…Sa pamamagitan po ng resolusyon na ito, isinasatitik natin ang ating pagkilala at pagpaparangal; habambuhay na pong nakaukit sa talaan ng Senado hindi lamang ang ating pagpapasalamat kundi ang kabayanihan ng ating mga pulis,” he added.
(Through this resolution, we express our recognition and honor; forever engraved in the record of the Senate is not only our gratitude but the heroism of our police officers.)
