Aquino, Purisima hail role of policewomen in improving PNP’s image

President Benigno S. Aquino III, Chief PNP Alan Purisima and Praxedes “Baby” Yu Tan, president ZONTA club of Makati Paseo de Roxas Foundation, pose with the 10 Outstanding Policewoman (not in order): P/Insp. Arieza V. Otida, Pre-charge Investigation IDBM, Cebu City Police Office, PRO7; SPO3 Melinda K. Amsali, PCR PNCO, Tetuan Police Station Zamboanga City PO, PRO9; PSUPT Maria Leonora Chua Camarao, OIC Discipline Law and Other Division, DPRM; P/Chief Inspector Gemma Vidal Braganza, Regional Chief Women and Children Protection Desk, PROCOR; PO3 Annaliza Palicpic Flores, PCR PNCO Aviation Security Group; SPO1 Ruth Bongo Violago, Investigation and Homecide Section Cebu City PO PRO7; SPO1 Cheryl Quinto Saldo, WCPD/HRAO, Surigao Del Norte PPO. PRO13; P/Senior Inspector Jovelyn Abe Banares, Chief FJGAD, ORPCRD, PRO2; PPO2 Cheryl Lyn Wagas Ano-os, PCR/FPGS PNCO, Ozamiz City Police Station PRO10; P/Senior Superintendent Herminigilda Dumaguin Salangad, HS Regional Health Service, RHS NCRPO Chief during a courtesy call in Malacanan on Tuesday. Not in photo is P/Senior Inspector Jovelyn Abe Banares who is on a maternity leave. GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE/INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines – Through the exemplary work of lady cops, the police force is now on better footing with the populace, President Benigno Aquino III said on Tuesday.

“Ang ganito nga pong antas ng katapatan at dedikasyon ng inyong mga kasamahan sa serbisyo ang siya mismong nagbunsod sa nabawi na ninyong tiwala at paghanga ng ating mamamayan,” Aquino said during the courtesy call of awardees of the 10 Outstanding Policewomen.

(This level of loyalty and dedication of your fellow policewomen have resulted in renewed trust and admiration by the people.)

The ten policewomen, awarded last January 23, were chosen for their service record and achievements.

“I am proud to say Philippine National Police is now a better force largely through contributions of our policewomen who fight criminals in one hand and nurture families on the other hand,” Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima said.

They are just as skilled and capable as their male counterparts but with an added touch of motherly care was how Aquino and Purisima described the nation’s crop of policewomen.

During his speech, Aquino recalled the recent episodes of heroism by policewomen — from single-handedly subduing a thief to enduring a six-kilometer walk after super typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) hit Tacloban.

“Sino nga po ba ang hindi hahanga sa mga tagumpay at karangalang hatid ng ating awardees?” Aquino said.

(Who won’t be impressed by the success and honor achieved by our awardees?)

The President pointed out that policewomen were also crucial in expanding social services in communities. He said it is the guidance of cops like them that many Filipinos were saved from the dangers of illegal drugs and violence.

“Sa pagbubukas-palad ninyo, maraming komunidad ang naging tahimik at payapa; panatag na ang loob at puno ng kompiyansang itaguyod ang marangal na pamumuhay,” he said.

(Through your efforts, many communities are now peaceful, the citizens assured that they will be able to lead honorable lives.)

Purisima shared that one of the awardees, Police Supt. Maria Leonora Chua Camarao, officer-in-charge of Discipline Law and Other Division under the Directorate for Personal and Records Management, helped resolve 2,000 cases and dismiss more than 100 erring policemen, in support of the PNP’s campaign “to cleanse our ranks of misfits in uniform.”

He lauded Police Chief Inspector Gemma Vidal Braganza who led the arrest of dozens of criminals, especially those charged with rape. Braganza is the Regional Chief of the Women and Children Protection Desk of the police regional office in Cordillera.

Also cited was PO3 Annliza Palicpic Flores of the Police Community Relations for her storytelling sessions in the slums of Manila as part of PNP’s literacy initiatives. Purisima said such activities “make our youth more productive and less prone to crime.”

The other awardees were:

• Senior Superintendent Herminigilda Dumaguin Salangad – Chief, Regional Health Service, National Capital Region Police Office
• Inspector Jovelyn Abe Bañares – Chief of Police, Iguig Police Station, Cagayan Police Provincial Office, PRO 2
• Inspector Arieza Velasco Otida – Pre-Charge Investigator, Investigation and Detective Management Branch, Cebu City Police Office, PRO 7
• Senior Police Officer 3 Melinda Kairan Amsali – PCR PCNO, Tetuan Police Station, Zamboanga City Police Office, PRO 9
• Senior Police Officer 1 Cheryl Quinto Saldo – WCPD/HRAO, Surigao Del Norte PPO, PRO13
• Senior Police Officer 1 Ruth Bongo Violango – Investigator, Homicide Section, Cebu City Police Office, PRO 7
• Police Officer2 Cheryl Lyn Wagas Ano-Os – PCR/FPGS, PNCO, Ozamis City Police Station,  PRO 10

Of the 10, only Bañares was not able to attend the courtesy call because of her pregnancy.

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