ABUCAY, Bataan — Police Colonel Marites Anipot Salvadora, Bataan police director, was awarded the “Medalya ng Kadakilaan” (Heroism Medal) — a rare honor conferred to select members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for acts of bravery and exemplary performance of duty.

The awarding took place Monday morning, 20 October 2025, during the traditional flag-raising ceremony at Camp Julian T. Olivas in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. The PNP said the medal was given to Col. Salvadora “for demonstrating acts of heroism and exemplary performance of duty rendered as the Provincial Director of Bataan PPO.”

“Such tenacity in the performance of their duty is a manifestation of the intense desire of these police officers to rid our society of criminal elements who take advantage of our helpless citizens,” the PNP Regional Headquarters said in a statement. “By this accomplishment, PCOL Salvadora immensely contributed to the attainment of the mission and objectives of the Philippine National Police.”

The commendation stemmed from Col. Salvadora’s courageous act last Tuesday night, when she singlehandedly initiated the peaceful surrender of an armed policeman who had earlier shot and wounded a security guard in Bataan.

The suspect, PSSg Michael L. Disono, 40, a member of the Bagac Police Station and a resident of Balanga City, fled after shooting security guard Elliaquim Bojo of Dinalupihan. Disono later hid inside a 7-Eleven store along Roman Highway in Abucay.

Witnesses said store employees panicked when the armed policeman suddenly entered the store before midnight, ordered everyone to leave, and locked himself inside.

Upon learning of the incident, Col. Salvadora personally responded, cordoned off the area, and entered the store alone to negotiate with the armed suspect. Despite her security team’s protests and offers of a bulletproof vest, she refused, choosing instead to face the suspect unarmed to convince him to surrender.

Major Jhon Rhen Cutab, chief of police of Abucay, recalled the tense standoff.
“I offered my bulletproof vest, but our PD refused to wear it; we were so nervous,” he said.

After a few minutes of calm negotiation, the suspect voluntarily surrendered to Col. Salvadora without further incident — a peaceful resolution that could have easily turned tragic.