Senate to honor heroic Misamis cop who shielded students from grenade blast
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Sonny Angara is set to file a Senate resolution seeking to honor Police Senior Master Sergeant Jason Magno, who died after using his body to shield students from a grenade explosion at the Initao College in Misamis Oriental.
“Master Sergeant Magno responded to the call of duty to protect the lives of civilians,” Angara said in a statement Thursday.
“Without thinking of his own safety, he used his body to cover the grenade, saving more lives but tragically losing his own in the process.”
Angara said it is only proper that the Senate recognizes Magno for his heroism.
“It is men like him who represent the best of the PNP (Philippine National Police) and Filipinos as a whole,” Angara added.
Magno, trained explosives and ordnance disposal specialist, was among the first responders when a man wielding a bladed weapon and grenade entered the Initao College campus in Barangay Jampason, Misamis Oriental.
Magno and the suspect wrestled for the grenade, but the latter had already pulled its safety pin and threw it to the ground.
This prompted Magno to “embrace” the grenade with his body, killing him instantly but preventing further fatalities.
Sixteen people, including the suspect, were reportedly wounded in the blast.
Cop sacrifices himself to lessen casualties in Initao College grenade blast
“Master Sergeant Magno’s heroic death should serve as a reminder of the service provided by our brave men and women in the PNP. Every day they risk their lives to keep us safe from criminal elements,” Angara said.
“The Senate expresses its condolences to the family he left behind. We need more heroes like Master Sergeant Magno,” Angara added.
Earlier, the PNP earlier announced that Magno is being considered to receive the Medal of Valor, the highest award in police service. His family is also set to receive death benefits from the government.
