103 Bicol cops get award for Mindanao election duties

By Marlon Atun

LEGAZPI CITY --- A total of 103 police officers from Bicol have been awarded the PNP Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Medal of Heroism) for their responsibilities during the recently concluded elections in Mindanao.

The medal, which symbolizes valor and selfless service, was pinned on each officer for their service during the 2025 national and local elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), according to Police Brigadier General Andre Dizon, the Bicol police chief.

Dizon led the awarding ceremony, which took place upon their return to PRO5 on Friday, May 23, at Camp Simeon Ola in Legazpi City.

“This is more than just a directive (from the chief of the PNP). In the PNP, when officers return from a mission—especially one in a potentially dangerous area—it is our tradition to recognize their service and bravery,” said Dizon.

The officers were deployed to the BARMM , an area designated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as an election “red zone” due to potential security threats. The team departed from Camp General Simeon Ola on April 27, 2025, and safely returned on May 23 without any casualty.

Team leader Lt. Col. Jeffrey Atunaga expressed his gratitude to his fellow officers for their discipline, cooperation, and courage throughout their tour of duty.

Among those who were awarded was Executive Master Sergeant Danny Ordonia Wayas, the oldest member of the team at 55 years. He not only celebrated the success of the mission but also his retirement, which took effect on May 13—the day after Election Day.

“I travelled from North to South and after the election, May 13, 2025, I received my compulsory retirement order, yun yung pinaka masaya,” Wayas said.

For Patrolwoman Marie Ann Camu, the deployment was “eye-opening and culturally enriching.”

Though initially anxious, she quickly adapted to the life and customs of the local communities in BARMM.

“Bago po kami pumunta ng BARRM, syempre po low morale, pero trabaho po nating mga pulis, maglingkod sa bayan natin, hanggang sa nakarating po kami dun at nakita po natin yung pamumuhay nila, at syempre nag-adjust po kami, at siguro yung bonding po namin sa kanila, ibat ibang lengwahe at pagkain, nakakatuwa po,” said Camu.

The awarding ceremony concluded with a “boodle fight” breakfast, shared by the returning officers and PRO5 top officials to celebrate their successful mission. (PIA Bicol)