The slain Police Officer 2 Rafael Gemoto, an intelligence operative of the Kabankalan City Police Station, is expected to receive a posthumous medal, in recognition of his heroism, for neutralizing an ex-convict tagged as “public enemy number 1” of Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental.

Senior Supt. Allan Guisihan, provincial police director, said they are submitting their recommendation to the Police Regional Office 6, for Gemoto to be conferred a medal, and other assistance from the Philippine National Police.

Senior Supt. Celestino Guara, chief of the PRO6 Personnel Division, said the PRO6 will deliberate on what medal will be given to Gemoto.

Ex-convict Joy Voluntate, who was injured but able to escape after a brief shoot-out with Gemoto Monday, at Coloso Extension in Brgy. 6, Kabankalan City, was found dead, the next day.

Voluntate may have died but he had also caused the deaths of four persons, including Gemoto, within five days since Sept. 15 in Kabankalan City. This earned him the tag of public enemy number one of Kabankalan City.

The Philippine flags at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City, and in Kabankalan City, are now flying at half-mast, as a sign of mourning for Gemoto, 45, who was killed in the line of duty.

The PNP is giving the Medalya ng Kagalingan (PNP Merit Medal) for a single act of heroism, or series of heroic acts, in a duty of responsibility, such as neutralization of criminal elements, and arrest of most-wanted person, among others.*GPB

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