Though many regarded her story with skepticism and a knowing smile, the Quezon City policewoman who shot dead a crime suspect after he “grabbed” her holstered pistol on Monday will get an award next week.
PO3 Juvy Jumuad will be feted for “her extraordinary display of bravery in restraining the violent actions of the suspect that could have claimed either her life or the lives of other people in the hallway of the Quezon City Hall of Justice,” according to her superior, Chief Supt. Joel Pagdilao.
What Jumuad did was “worthy of praise and emulation,” the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director said in a statement on Friday. The awarding is set on Feb. 23 at Camp Karingal.
The Feb. 16 hallway incident killed Mark Soque, a suspect in eight robberies, three rapes and the killing of a Korean woman inside one of the restaurants he allegedly robbed.
When the man was arrested last week, an enraged Mayor Herbert Bautista was seen punching and kicking him at the police station. His capture also drew a statement of gratitude from the Korean Embassy.
According to the QCPD, a handcuffed Soque tried to grab Jumuad’s Glock 40 pistol as she and three male officers were escorting him for his inquest proceedings Monday night. In the ensuing struggle, the gun went off twice, with the second bullet hitting Soque in the jaw.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) later announced plans to conduct an investigation into the shooting.
Aside from Jumuad, members of the Special Investigation Task Group who arrested Soque would also receive certificates of appreciation, the QCPD said. Rima Granali