General Santos City, Philippines — In a ceremony underscoring exemplary dedication to public service, five police personnel were awarded the prestigious Medalya ng Kadakilaan on November 18, 2024, at the Grandstand of Police Regional Office (PRO) 12, Camp General Paulino T. Santos, Tambler, General Santos City.
The awarding was led by Police Colonel (PCOL) Arnold C. Santiago, Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO), who also received the medal himself. The recognition was given for the team’s pivotal role in a successful buy-bust operation on November 9, 2024, in Purok Silway Fatima, Barangay Dadiangas West, General Santos City. The operation led to the arrest of two high-value individuals (HVIs) and the seizure of 516 grams of suspected shabu valued at approximately Php 3,500,000.
The honorees included:
- PCOL Arnold C. Santiago
- Police Captain (PCPT) Jerard Mark Oliver T. Jubelag
- Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) Richard M. Gomez
- Police Corporal (PCpl) Reyjie L. Ericilla
- Police Corporal (PCpl) Ruth Lyn Montero
During his remarks, PCOL Santiago expressed his gratitude and praised the dedication of his team. He emphasized the significance of their achievement as a reflection of their unwavering commitment to ensuring community safety.
“These accolades are not just symbols of recognition but are also reminders of the importance of our character as police officers,” PCOL Santiago said. “Character holds more importance than reputation. It depends on our actions and attitudes, which are entirely within our control. Waste no time arguing what a good man or woman should be—be one,” he added.
The buy-bust operation and subsequent recognition demonstrate the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) ongoing efforts to combat illegal drugs and foster a peaceful and secure environment in General Santos City and beyond.
