By Eva Visperas
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan– A policeman was honored on December 4 with the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting for his bravery and dedication to duty following a violent encounter during a robbery incident in a grocery store in Binalonan, Pangasinan.
Police Regional Director 1 P/Brig. Gen. Lou Evangelista personally visited Police Master Sergeant Heribert Plares at the Urdaneta Sacred Hospital in Urdaneta City where he is confined and pinned his medal. Plares was injured while he is responding to a robbery dawn of November 30, 2024.
Plares, assigned at the Binalonan Municipal Police Station, confronted one of the armed suspects attempting to flee, resulting in a violent clash where Plares sustained multiple stab wounds. The suspect who stabbed Plares died while the other escaped.
Evangelista praised Plares for his efficiency, loyalty, and selfless devotion to duty, despite the danger inherent in police operations. “His actions embody the bravery and commitment of our officers who risk their lives to keep our communities safe,” Evangelista said.
The PRO 1 chief also stressed the importance of prioritizing human rights and the safety of officers during police operations.
Meanwhile, Police Col. Rollyfer Capoquian, director of the Pangasinan Provincial Police, commended Plares and his team for their swift response to the robbery incident, noting that despite the officer’s injuries, Plares demonstrated extraordinary dedication to his role as a law enforcer.
“He is a true testament to the excellence and dependability of our police force in Pangasinan,” Capoquian said.