MANILA, Philippines -- After more than three weeks in coma, Senior Superintendent Eleuterio Gutierrez has finally regained consciousness.

Gutierrez, the team leader who was shot in the head by suspected robbers in the shootout in Parañaque City last December 5, woke up December 27 to the delight of his family.

Gutierrez still cannot speak, his right body remains paralyzed, but he is able to recognize people, especially his family, said Senior Superintendent Benjamin delos Santos, corporate secretary of Philippine National Police (PNP) Badge of Honor Foundation Inc., and Gutierrez?s classmate at the Officers' Senior Executive Course (OSEC).

?Sumaludo pa sa kin [He even saluted me],? Delos Santos said.

The family of Gutierrez was given P100,000 medical assistance by the PNP Badge of Honor Foundation to help pay for Gutierrez?s medication, including his therapy, for his full recovery, Delos Santos said.

He also expressed hope that Gutierrez would be able to fully recover from the incident.

Gutierrez is to be transferred to the Philippine Heart Center.