Uniformed personnel must be toughed in all of their attributes. They must be physically and mentally fit, well-trained in combat and warfare, and demonstrate strength and alertness in spirit at all times, maybe due to the rigid and rigorous training they have undergone throughout their military journey. They are trained for the noblest job, that is, to serve the people and the motherland, protecting them and securing them from aggressors and any possible threat. But it doesn’t end there. The strong qualities and characteristics they exhibit become part of their system and their uniform. But as individuals, they can be as gentle and soft as parents, brothers or sisters.
Behind the uniform are individuals who come from different walks of life, fields of profession, culture and traditions, and even religious beliefs. They may be doctors, teachers, engineers, IT professionals, or social workers. They may be fathers and mothers or loving sons/daughters to parents. Setting aside their differences, they come together, united for the country with one specific purpose, to be part of the nation’s peacekeeper who will uphold the rule of law, and maintain at all times the utmost respect for the rights of people they have sworn to serve and protect.
Through the years, the Philippine National Police has proven its significance and relevance in the attainment of a much more peaceful and progressive community. From conducting Internal Security Operations, Anti-Crime Operations, Community engagement and mobilization up to Search, Rescue and Retrieval Operations in times of calamities and disasters, PNP never falters to reach and connect with the grassroots, providing any form of assistance and support together with the Local Government Units and other Government Agencies and Non-Government Organizations. PNP personnel never stop to provide holistic and inclusive public service to every individual in need, may they be on and off duty, regardless of time and hour, wherever and whenever situation dictates.
On October 7, 2022, while the Sibunag PNP led by Police Lieutenant Val A. Cambel were conducting their regular mobile patrol within their Area of Responsibility in the town of Sibunag in Guimaras, a certain woman called for help to the patrolling police, for her niece was about to give birth. But when the police officers arrived in their residence, the pregnant woman was already on the verge of giving birth. PLt Cambel was left with no choice but to aid and assist the mother in giving birth barehanded. After those miraculous moments, a healthy baby girl was born.
Likewise, the same selfless act happened on October 9, 2022, when Police Staff Sergeant James Merver Pano, a Registered Nurse and an Investigator of Iloilo City Police Station 4 under the supervision of Police Major Marlyn B. Roquero, assisted a pregnant woman who gave birth inside a motorcycle in front of the Police Station while on their way to the hospital. In that very moment, PSSg Pano cautiously performed the medical procedure and helped the laboring mother to safely give birth. Thanks to the bravery and willingness, and most of all his outstanding skills and excellent composure in such a given situation, for the mother and her newborn child were safe and both were later recommended to a nearby hospital for further medical check-up.
On October 30, 2022, an equal amount of courage was also displayed by the personnel of Marikina City Police Station Sub-Station 6 composed of Police Corporal Andrew Bryan Riogelon and Police Corporal Gailard Almazan under the supervision of Police Lieutenant Anthony E. Lacandile, Officer-in-Charge SS6, and under the leadership of Police Colonel Earl B. Castillo, Chief of Police, Marikina CPS, when they rendered assistance to a mother giving birth inside a tricycle along A. De Guzman Street, Brgy. Concepcion Uno, Marikina City.
The PNP personnel were also patrolling that time when a concerned citizen called them to help the laboring mother who was at that time inside a tricycle on the way to the nearest hospital. Without hesitation, they immediately extended assistance to the mother and helped her safely deliver a healthy newborn baby boy. After, they immediately called the assistance of Rescue 161 to bring the mother and her newborn child to the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Hospital (ARMMC) for further medical attention.
These PNP personnel define what a 21st century police officer is made of. Being ready and available to perform duties and responsibilities that are beyond what their uniform prescribes. Showing a different level of bravery and courage without firing a single bullet describes a man in uniform. What makes them different is their willingness to respond in wherever and whatever situation without the use of their rifles with their potentials and skills, and their resilient spirit to help those in need.
Life is, indeed, beautiful because we have this kind of police officers. You may not know them in person but they are always there when you most needed them.
May this kind of value spread and emanate from our new breed of law enforcers.
