NCRPO director pays tribute to slain Manila cop

The chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday paid tribute to Police Officer 1 Ryan Bagadiong, a member of the Pedro Gil Police Community Precinct who was shot dead on Saturday while accosting two suspicious-looking men in Ermita, Manila.

Bagadiong, 36, had stopped the two motorcycle riders who were not wearing helmets. As he was frisking them, one of the men shoved him to the ground and shot him several times.

Although wounded, Bagadiong managed to fire back and hit one of the motorcycle riders, who was later identified as Florencio Geavican.

However, the two ganged up on the policeman and shot him in the head before fleeing, taking with them his service firearm. Records showed that Bagadiong sustained at least 10 gunshot wounds.

Geavican later died at a hospital due to a gunshot wound in the abdomen while his cohort, Antonio Lalu, 45, of Tondo, Manila, was arrested on Sunday.

On Tuesday, NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina went to Bagadiong’s wake in his house in Tondo and posthumously awarded him the Medalya ng Kagalingan.

“He is a hero cop, a model for all NCRPO cops to emulate. He served with dignity until death befell him. He fought gallantly against criminals of our society,” Espina said.

At the same time, he ordered the release of financial assistance and full benefits to Bagadiong’s family, including scholarships for his two children.

“I have also recommended his posthumous promotion to the next higher rank,” Espina said.