ZAMBOANGA CITY—In recognition of his exceptional bravery during a covert operation, Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) Ryan Mariano was awarded a P200,000 cash reward by Mayor John Dalipe on Friday, March 7. The monetary incentive was granted by the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) following its approval during a meeting held on January 9, 2025.
The reward follows CPOC’s 2023 guidelines, which provide an incentive of P100,000 per body count for acts of gallantry demonstrated by police officers in the line of duty.
PSMS Mariano displayed remarkable courage on New Year’s Eve in Barangay Ayala when he engaged two armed suspects in a shootout in front of the Ayala Parish Church. Despite sustaining serious gunshot wounds, he continued to fight valiantly, ultimately neutralizing both suspects. One suspect was immediately killed at the scene, while the second suspect, critically wounded, was rushed to Brent Hospital by emergency responders but was declared dead on arrival.
During the handover ceremony held at the Office of the City Mayor, Mayor Dalipe commended Mariano’s dedication and sacrifice in ensuring public safety. Also present were Police Station 9-Ayala Acting Commander PMaj Joemar Calud, PMaj Rolando Gonzales Arriola Jr., who represented PCol. Kimberly Molitas, and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Zamboanga Chief Ginagene Vaño-Uy.
The city government and law enforcement officials continue to recognize and support the heroism of police personnel who put their lives on the line in the service of the community.
