Six police personnel of the Caloocan City Police Station who demonstrated conspicuous courage and gallantry in action in the service almost three years ago were promoted to the next higher rank.

This, after the National Police Commission (Napolcom) approved the special promotion of Police Master Sergeant (PMSg) Marlon Gelua, Police Corporals (PCPL) Ernesto Albero, Ferdinand Balanay and Ruel Damona, and Patrolmen (PAT) Joseph Johnson Castillo and Esmael Sibayan of the Caloocan Police Community Precinct (PCP) 6 through Resolution 2019-608 dated 13 August 2019.

Napolcom vice chairman Atty. Rogelio Casurao said the Commission approved the special promotion to the next higher rank of the six Caloocan police personnel following the recommendation made by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde for the grant of the meritorious promotion.

“In our unending fight against criminality, the Napolcom gives due recognition to the acts of bravery of our police officers. Commendation is given to PNP members who uphold high standard of discipline in order to perform their duty to serve and protect the citizenry,” Casurao said.

On 8 December 2016 at about 7:30 p.m., the team headed by PMSg Gelua responded to a report of successive gunshots emanating from the residence of a certain “Toto” in Santo Tomas Village, Deparo, Caloocan City. Upon arrival at the scene, two of the suspects openly fired at the responding police officers which instigated a gunfight.

During the encounter, the operatives discovered that six children were trapped inside the house, prompting them to negotiate for their release. Through a successful negotiation, the police team brought the children to safety.