March 29, 2024

MANILA – Battle-tested and Marawi siege hero, Col. Lambert Alban Suerte of Bokod, Benguet, is one of the 10 awardees in the 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, the most prestigious career-service award for Filipino exemplars in the academe, military, and police service.

Currently the commander of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the National Capital Region Police Office, Suerte has been recognized for his dedicated service beyond the call of duty that almost cost his life while protecting the public from enemies of the State.

A member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1998, Suerte is a recipient of two “Medalya ng Kabayanihan” (PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal), the second highest medal conferred to uniformed PNP members for acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in the face of an armed enemy, or act of heroism.

He was first conferred the Medalya ng Kabayanihan in 2019 for his display of gallantry during the Marawi siege in 2017. Also conferred the same medal from the Cordillera are his classmates, Cols. Mario Mayames, Jr.; Ledon Monte; and Jack Angog.

His second Medal-ya ng Kabayanihan came in 2020 when he led combat-trained members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-4A in a fierce gun battle that led to the death of four New People’s Army rebel leaders in Kalayan, Laguna. Government forces also overran the rebels’ camp.

Suerte is also one of the few senior commissioned police officers, who were conferred awards by three presidents – Gloria Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III, and Rodrigo Duterte.

He earned meritorious promotion as a decorated Special Action Force officer for helping contain the “Bicutan Siege of 2005” where detained Abu Sayyaf terrorists almost took control of the prison facility. 

He also led a team that neutralized two criminal groups in Calabarzon and the Cordillera. He also helped overrun one of the biggest NPA camps in the Cordillera in 2013 and captured two rebel leaders.

To date, Suerte is a recipient of close to 150 medals and more than 150 commendations, recognitions, and appreciations.

The Metrobank Foundation also recognized Suerte’s involvement in numerous civic activities from his previous assignments in Benguet, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila, among other places.

Awardees of this prestigious award, Metrobank Foundation said, are recognized for a model of excellence in his/her profession, thriving amidst challenges with dignity and confidence. 

The awardees have made a long-lasting positive impact, as well as concrete contributions to the onward development of communities. More importantly, must have displayed patriotism, integrity, courage, and social responsibility – the universal values that Filipinos are defined by. Each Outstanding Filipino awardee will receive P1 million cash prize, a trophy, and a gold medallion. – Harley F. Palangchao