Four jail officers were honored Wednesday for their bravery and quick response following an ambush while transporting a Chinese person deprived of liberty (PDL) en route to Parañaque City earlier this week.
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) chief Ruel Rivera awarded the four personnel with the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting or Medal of the Wounded Hero and the Medalya ng Kagalingan or Medal of Merit during a ceremony in Makati.
In a statement, Rivera lauded the officers for their courageous actions during the incident that occurred on Monday.
“Their fast and effective response reflects their bravery, professionalism and genuine public service,” Rivera said.
To recall, the jail officers were transporting 37-year-old Hu Yang, a PDL, to the BJMP facility in Barangay La Huerta, Parañaque City, following a court hearing in Makati City.
As their vehicle traveled along a thoroughfare in Parañaque, two vehicles reportedly blocked their path. Occupants of the vehicles then opened fire on the BJMP personnel.
Despite the sudden and violent attack, the jail officers, whose identities were not immediately released, demonstrated remarkable composure and swiftly retaliated, according to initial police reports.
Their decisive actions, coupled with the immediate response of the Parañaque City Police, led to the apprehension of six suspects involved in the ambush.
During the exchange of gunfire, one of the jail officers sustained a gunshot wound to his left shoulder. He received immediate medical attention and is reported to be in stable condition.
Meantime, Hu Yang was safely returned to the jail facility following the incident.
Law enforcement authorities reported that one of the suspects’ vehicles, a black multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), crashed into a tree at the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park. A second vehicle, a black sedan, attempted to flee the scene but was intercepted by responding police officers.
The six individuals taken into custody are now facing multiple charges, including attempted murder and other related offenses. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine the motives behind the ambush and to identify any other individuals who may have been involved.
The BJMP chief stressed the inherent risks faced by jail personnel in the performance of their duties and commended the officers for their unwavering dedication to ensuring the safe and secure transport of PDLs.