• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A police non-commissioned officer who was injured during a buy bust operation, after being shot by a fleeing drug peddler, in Brgy. Magticol, Toboso, Negros Occidental, got a medal, in recognition of his bravery, and financial aid from the Police Regional Office 6.
No less than PBrig. Gen. Jack Wanky, regional police director of Western Visayas, conferred the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting to PSSgt. Ronie Melgar, at a private hospital in Bacolod City.
Melgar was wounded in an armed confrontation with the suspects during the conduct of anti-illegal drug operation on Saturday in Toboso, Negros Occidental.
During the operation, police arrested two persons and seized approximately 61 grams of suspected ‘shabu’ worth P414,000.
Arrested were alias Kempee, 45-years-old, and alias Aries, 30-years-old, while the assailant of Melgar identified as alias Nonoy, 32-years-old, managed to evade the arrest.
The buy bust operation also yielded an estimated 61 grams of suspected ‘shabu’, with a market value of P414,000, a caliber .45 pistol with two magazines containing 12 ammunition, among other assorted drug paraphernalia.
“This courageous act is worthy of emulation and even inspires others, that despite the danger in a drug operation, someone is willing to offer his life for the security and protection of the citizens,” Wanky said in a statement, apparently referring to Melgar.
Appropriate charges are being readied to be filed against the suspects, according to regional police spokesman Lt. Col. Arnel Solis.*
