“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”—John F. Kennedy
On November 15, 2024, an incident had occurred, placing another brave police officers in a situation where thy have to offer their precious lives in the line of duty, paying the ultimate sacrifice for country’s sake and the Filipino people. Police Corporal Isaac Kirt Sipin and Patrolwoman Roselyn Bulias, operatives from the PNP Drug Enforcement Group- Special Operations Unit Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PDEG-SOU BAR), had conducted a high-risk anti-illegal drugs entrapment operation in Barangay Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte at around 11 in the morning. The said buy-bust operation did not go as planned as the suspects were heavily-armed, and had started to open fire after sensing to be dealing with undercover police agents.
The gunfight had escalated but the police operatives had managed to control the situation and courageously held their ground, arresting the two suspects who were later identified as Suhod Kasim and Ting Katulangan. Two more others evaded the arrest. PCpl Sipin and Pat Bulias had received fatal gunshot wounds which resulted to their untimely demise, while Patrolmen Jonel Ramos and Eddie Sugarol were wounded during the said firefight.
Despite the loss of the two police officers, the PNP operatives had seized from the suspects at least a kilo of shabu with an estimated value of Php6.8 Million.
Four days later, on November 19, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief of the Philippine National Police, personally paid tribute to the courage and dedication of police officers involved in the said buy-bust operation in the town of Sultan Kudarat. The PNP Top Cop had visited the wake of Police Corporal Isaac Kirt Q. Sipin in Barangay Villarica, Midsayap, Cotabato, where he was joined by PLtGen Bernard M. Banac, Area Commander of APC-Western Mindanao; PBGen Eleazar P. Matta, Director PNP Drug Enforcement Group; PBGen Romeo J. Macapaz, Regional Director of PRO Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; together with PCol Gilberto B. Tuzon, Provincial Director of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office.
In honor of the heroism of PCpl Sipin and Pat Bulias, the Chief PNP posthumously had awarded them the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) and had extended financial assistance to their bereaved family. “The bravery and selflessness of PCpl Sipin, along with Patrolwoman Roselyn Bulias, exemplify the highest ideals of public service. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten,” said CPNP Marbil.
On the same day, the Chief PNP also visited the wounded officers involved during the same operation at General Santos Doctors Hospital Inc. in General Santos City. The wounded officers were awarded with the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (Wounded Personnel Medal), as well as the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) for their exceptional heroism and dedication to duty.
The Top Cop lauded the officer’s courage, saying, “Your actions reflect the unwavering resolve of PNP to combat the scourge of illegal drugs. Your bravery inspires us all, and we stand firmly behind you as you recover.” Financial assistance was also provided to support the officers’ medical needs, further underscoring the PNP’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and morale of its personnel.
The operation, which highlighted the immense risks faced by law enforcement officers, had reaffirmed the PNP’s determination to combat the proliferation of illegal drugs and ensure the safety of communities across the nation.
The PNP leadership calls on the public to unite with the Nation’s Peacekeeper in the country’s battle against illegal drugs, standing in solidarity with the bereaved families of the fallen heroes, and working together with the government in building a safer and drug-free society.
