By Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao Bureau
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Patrolman Justeen Reo G. Ga returned from election duty with an injury but was recognized for his courage after he was wounded while helping secure the first parliamentary elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Ga was among 887 Caraga police personnel who received a heroes’ welcome on Friday, September 18, after completing their deployment in the Bangsamoro region.
During the ceremony at Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez in Libertad, Butuan City, Ga was awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting, a recognition given to police personnel wounded while performing their duties.
Ga sustained injuries during a shooting incident at Central Pilot Elementary School along Sinsuat Avenue, Poblacion, Cotabato City, on September 14 while assigned to election security operations.
His recognition came as the Police Regional Office 13 honored its contingent for helping maintain a safe and orderly electoral process during the historic polls.
The Caraga contingent, led by Police Colonel Michael B. Lozada, included 375 personnel who served as Special Electoral Board members, 490 deployed as security forces, and 22 official drivers, according to records from the PRO 13 Regional Operations Division.
Police Brigadier General Rolindo M. Suguilon, PRO 13 regional director, commended the deployed personnel for accepting the risks and challenges of election security duty.
“Your courage in answering the call of duty, despite the challenges and risks, is truly commendable,” Suguilon said.
He said the personnel helped safeguard the electoral process, communities, and voters during the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro region.
Aside from Ga’s recognition, other members of the deployment team were awarded the Medalya ng Kadakilaan for their dedication and service throughout the election mission.
The deployment was part of the Philippine National Police’s nationwide support for election security operations to ensure peaceful, secure, and orderly conduct of the polls.
For Ga and his fellow officers, the mission involved more than maintaining security. It meant being present in areas where tensions and risks could emerge while allowing voters to exercise their right to participate in the historic electoral process.
The return of the Caraga police contingent marked the completion of their assignment and the recognition of their contributions during a significant milestone in the political development of the Bangsamoro region.
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