Cop wounded in clash with armed group in Agusan Norte gets medal

MANILA, Philippines – Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II commended last week a policeman who was wounded following an encounter with armed men in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.

PO3 Ariel Dobles received the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting for wounded bravery and service to the country on Thursday while he was confined at the Butuan Doctors Hospital.

Roxas paid a visit to the injured policeman, who was hurt in an encounter with armed men as he was on patrol with his partner, PO1 Wilmer Sabling, who was killed.

The medal, the interior secretary said, was “a symbol of the government’s appreciation and recognition of his commitment to serve and protect civilians.”

The CARAGA police regional office head, Chief Supt. David Ombao, said Dobles and Sabling were patrolling the area of Sitio Kampalan last week after receiving reports that armed men were in the area.

A firefight ensued, wounding Dobles and killing Sabling.

“I salute him for his strength, bravery and commitment to service,” Roxas said as he assured the policeman that the government would shoulder all his medical needs to ensure his full recovery.

The interior secretary said the policeman would have to undergo another operation to be able to walk normally again as the bullet hit his bone.

He urged the Philippine National Police to emulate Dobles and Sabling’s heroism and commitment to public service.