The Philippine National Police (PNP) has once again proven its courage and resilience in keeping its mandate to heart, to serve and protect, as one seemingly ordinary incident made an extraordinary impact to the public. The incident unfolded at Creek Drive 1, Valley 8 in Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City on late Friday morning of May 23, 2025, when a police officer successfully responded to a violent disturbance.
Police Staff Sergeant Carlo Sotelo Navarro, 45 years old and assigned at the BF Homes Police Substation (SS-5), received a report from a concerned citizen at approximately 10:45 AM about a commotion involving an individual causing public alarm and scandal. Without hesitation, he and his fellow officer, along with Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members of Barangay San Antonio, swiftly went to the scene to defuse the situation.
Upon arrival, the officers encountered the unruly and aggressive suspect, later identified as alias “Arnold,” a resident of Creek Drive 2. As PSSg Navarro and the team attempted to pacify and control him, the suspect suddenly drew a kitchen knife and stabbed the officer in the head and chest.
Despite the chaos, the police officers and responding BPATs succeeded in apprehending the suspect and prevented further harm to the community. The wounded officer was rushed to the nearest hospital, where he received proper medical attention and was later declared in stable condition. As of this writing, the suspect is under police custody, and the case has been turned over to the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS) for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, personally awarded the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) and the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (Wounded Personnel Medal) to PSSg Navarro of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) during an awarding ceremony on May 26 held at BF Homes Police Sub-station. Also in attendance were Police Major General Anthony A. Aberin, NCRPO Regional Director; members of the Regional and District Staff, including Police Colonel Melvin R Montante, Chief of Police of Parañaque City Police Station; and other Parañaque CPS Commanders and Staff.
In his message, PGen Marbil commended the bravery of PSSg Navarro, saying: “Ipinapaabot ko ang taos-pusong pasasalamat kay PSSg Navarro sa kanyang kahanga-hangang kabayanihan. Sa harap ng lantad na panganib, hindi siya umatras—bagkus, hinarap niya ito upang protektahan ang iba, kahit [maaaring] kapalit ay ang sariling buhay. Kumilos siya nang walang pag-aalinlangan…Ito ang uri ng kabayanihan na sumasalamin sa [katapangan ng] ating kapulisan—walang pag-iimbot, walang takot, at tunay na karapatdapat sa pinakamataas na pagkilala.”
PGen Marbil further emphasized that the officer’s actions reflect the highest standards of the police service and embody the aspirations that the administration holds for public servants—honest, steadfast, and ready to defend the people at all times.
Meanwhile, the Southern Police District (SPD), under the leadership of its Acting Director, Police Brigadier General Joseph R. Arguelles, is proud to have a personnel like PSSg Navarro. “PSSg Navarro embodies the highest ideals of service and sacrifice. He did not hesitate to put his life on the line to protect the community. His courage is both heroic and humbling,” said PBGen Arguelles.
The Southern Police District stands firmly behind PSSg Navarro, and assures the public that justice will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.
This incident is more than just a story of individual bravery – it reflects the profound responsibility that law enforcers carry in their daily duties. PSSg Navarro’s dedication to duty serves as a powerful example of how compassion and valor can save lives.
