10 top policemen honored in Philippines

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo awarded today with trophies the top 10 police personnel of the year in recognition of their career achievements and service to the community.

The award presentation was made during the culmination of the 2007 Metrobank Foundation and Rotary Club of New Manila East’s search for the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) this afternoon at the Heroes’ Hall of Malacanang.

Assisting the President were Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Calderon, Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepena, Rotary Club of New Manila East (RCNME) president Nestor Borromeo, and Metrobank Foundation board of advisers chairman Dr. Placido Mapa Jr.

In her message earlier sent to the organizers, the President lauded the private sector for recognizing and appreciating the exemplary efforts and contributions to nation building of the outstanding members of the PNP.

“This award certainly helps boost the morale among the ranks and inspire other members of the PNP to work harder in serving the public,” the President said.

The 2007 COPS awardees are Supt. Joseph Adnol, Supt. Gilberto Cruz, Supt. Wilson Joseph Lopez, Chief Insp. Emma Galero, SPO1 Pablo Selloriquez Jr., SPO2 Geroilan Mudanza, SPO2 Vladimir Tugonon, PO3 Efren Salazar Jr., PO2 Girlie Gay Sanado, and PO3 Rodelio Garcia.

Considered as the PNP’s cream of the crop, the winners were chosen after a stringent selection process that included background check and panel interview by a board of judges representing various sectors of the society.

Aside from the trophies, each of the awardees also received P200,000 cash prize from Metrobank Foundation and PSBank.