August 2, 2011, The Philippine Star, Female police chief to be honored in PNP anniversary celebration, by Cecille Suerte Felipe,

August 2, 2011, The Philippine Star, Female police chief to be honored in PNP anniversary celebration, by Cecille Suerte Felipe,

MANILA, Philippines - The courage of a female police chief in Agusan del Sur in leading her personnel to repel the attack of about 250 communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels last Saturday will add meaning to the celebration of the 110th police anniversary on Aug. 8.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo said he would personally extend the commendation to Inspector Charity Galvez, police chief of Trento town in Agusan del Sur.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity of personally extending my commendation to Police Inspector Galvez and her men for the courageous defense of their town. Their heroism will continue to be a source of pride for the 140,000-strong PNP where heroes are born each day," Bacalzo said.

Bacalzo immediately reported to President Aquino the accomplishment of Galvez and the Trento police force.

"As chief of the PNP, it is with great pride that I report to the Commander-in-Chief, President Aquino, the gallant stand put up by our police troops against a large force of NPA rebels who went on another looting and shooting rampage in Agusan del Sur on Saturday morning," Bacalzo said.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said, "Galvez's accomplishment will add color, if not meaning, to the police service day."

The PNP is set to celebrate on Aug. 8 the 110th police service anniversary based on data from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The insular police force started on Aug. 8, 1901.

Bacalzo said they are making preparations for the event, noting that they could look into their history and then replicate the best practices learned since 1901.

Two policemen, Police Officer 1 Joel Lazarte and PO3 Mhel Hubo, were wounded in the gunbattle in Trento while the police station's utility worker, Salvador Rall Jr., was killed in the attack. 

The NPA raiders also suffered heavy casualties.

"I have directed Caraga Regional Director Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Rafal to ensure immediate medical and financial assistance to the wounded personnel as well as to the lone casualty," Bacalzo said.

Bacalzo said he has instructed the Director for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) in Eastern Mindanao to mount a region-wide pursuit operation against the NPA group that scampered off in different directions, leaving behind two wounded NPA fighters who were promptly given medical attention while in custody of security forces.

Meanwhile, the military reported that 12 NPA rebels were killed during an encounter with Army troops in Loreto, Agusan del Sur last Sunday.

Maj. Eugenio Osias IV, spokesman for the Army's 4th Division, said the clash happened at the boundary of barangays Kauswagan and Sto. Niño in Loreto town. – With Alexis Romero