The Cordilleran police officer who perished in Northern Samar was posthumously awarded with the Medalya ng Kadakilaan.
Police Regional Office-8 Regional Director, B/Gen. Bernard Banac together with Chief Regional Staff, Col. Salvador Alacyang and Chief Regional Personnel and Records Management Division, Col. Hector Enage conferred a posthumous medal or the Medalya ng Kadakilaan to Lt. Kenneth Tad-awan at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Camp Ruperto K. Kangleon in Palo, Leyte on Feb. 8.
Tad-awan, a native of Bontoc, Mountain Province, was killed in an encounter with alleged members of communist terrorists group in Lapinig, Northern Samar morning of Feb. 7.
He was one of the team leaders of the 801st Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8 under the supervision of Col. Glenn Oliver Cinco.
The government forces were conducting humanitarian activity when they were attacked by the terrorist group.
The firefight also led to the recovery of explosive devices of the armed group.
The PNP said a joint police and military pursuit operations are underway for the local terrorist group to ensure the safety and security of the community in the area.
The Medalya ng Kadakilaan was accorded to the fallen officer for his act of heroism and bravery.
“Ibinuwis niya ang kanyang buhay sa gitna ng kanyang pagtatanggol sa kapayaan para sa bayan na pilit na inaagaw ng teroristang grupo. Hindi kailanman titigil ang Philippine National Police sa paghahanap ng hustisya para kay Lt. Tad-awan at sa lahat ng mga biktima ng mga rebelde,” Banac said.
Banac extended condolences and financial assistance to the bereaved family of Tad-awan.
PNP Chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos expressed his condolences to the surviving kin Tad-awan when he visited the remains of the fallen hero recently.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lt. Tad-awan. Rest assured that we will immediately provide the needed financial support and other social benefits for his family,” Carlos said.
“I am in deep sorrow for his untimely demise. This act of heroism and ultimate sacrifice of our comrade and one of our brave men in the service only shows our sincerity to our sworn duty no matter what the cost is.”
“Nabawasan man ang ating hanay ng isang magiting at tapat sa tungkulin na alagad ng batas, tayo sa Pambasang Pulisya ang magtutuloy ng kanilang laban kontra karahasan at insurhensya upang bigyan saysay ang buhay na inalay nila para sa kapayapaan ng ating bayan,” Carlos added.
Tad-awan’s remains were brought to his hometown in Bontoc, Mountain Province. – Redjie M. Cawis
May 4, 2024
