The Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Monday commended a police officer in San Jose, Camarines Sur, who lost his left arm after being attacked with a bolo while responding to an armed man believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. praised Staff Sgt. Noli M. Miraña for his courage and restraint in attempting to peacefully subdue the armed man.

“We commend PSSg Miraña and his fellow officers for their courage, restraint, and professionalism in responding to this dangerous situation,” Nartatez said.

Miraña was among personnel from the San Jose Municipal Police Station who responded to a report of an armed individual running amok in Zone 1, Barangay Calalahan, San Jose, on Saturday, 22 August.

The responding team, led by Miraña, initially attempted to communicate with the man and de-escalate the situation peacefully. Authorities said the man was believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis.

The situation turned violent when the man suddenly charged at the officers, causing Miraña to fall. The assailant then attacked him with a bolo, severely injuring his left hand and face.

Miraña’s fellow officers intervened and fired their service firearms, hitting the assailant in both thighs and stopping the attack.

Miraña and the wounded man were initially brought to Partido District Hospital before being transferred to Bicol Medical Center for further treatment.

The PNP said it is providing medical and welfare assistance to Miraña as he recovers.

“This incident underscores the risks faced by our personnel who respond to calls for assistance, often without knowing what they will encounter. I am reminding all our personnel to prioritize de-escalation whenever circumstances allow but to act decisively when there is an imminent threat to life,” Nartatez said.

NAPOLCOM Vice Chairperson Rafael Calinisan also praised Miraña for his actions and assured him and his family of assistance.

“I commend Police Staff Sergeant Noli M. Miraña of the San Jose Municipal Police Station for his extraordinary courage and dedication to duty after sustaining a grievous injury while responding to a dangerous incident in Barangay Calalahan, San Jose, Camarines Sur,” Calinisan said.

“His sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the dangers our police officers face in the line of duty and of the courage required to place the safety of others before their own,” he added.

Calinisan said NAPOLCOM would ensure that Miraña and his family receive the benefits and assistance due to them under existing laws, rules and regulations.

“We will stand by him as he faces the difficult road to recovery,” Calinisan said.