HERO GUARD. Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan O. Okubo, director of the PNP-Civil Security Group (left) pins the PNP Heroism Medal to "SG Roco" in simple rites in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday (Aug. 21, 2024). The security guard held off five robbers and exchanged gunshots with them inside a fruit shop in Makati, which resulted in the death of the robbery group's leader. (Photo courtesy of PNP CSG)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recognized a security guard who held off five robbers and engaged them in a shootout inside a fruit shop in Makati City.
PNP Civil Security Group (CSG) chief Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan O. Okubo awarded the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Heroism Medal) to the guard known as "SG Roco" in simple rites at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday, the police force's Public Information Office said in a news release Thursday.
“The Medalya ng Kadakilaan was awarded for his dedication to his service and the courage he showed against the five armed men which resulted in the death of the leader of the Brondial Criminal Group,” said Okubo.
Okubo said the bravery shown by the security guard was impressive and laudable.
“We hope that he would serve as a model in showing honesty, bravery, integrity to other security guards,” said Okubo.
The CSG is the regulatory unit of the PNP that exercises administrative and operational control over private security industries through the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies.
A police report said the incident happened on Aug. 14, when the robbers stormed the fruit shop where the security guard was working.
Two of the robbers went to the store's second floor while three others remained on the store's ground floor.
The security guard got a chance to fire at the suspects on the ground floor who panicked and tried to escape after hearing the sirens of responding police officers. The ensuing gunfight resulted in the death of the robbers' leader identified as Jeric Brondial.
The Southern Police District and the Makati City Police Station earlier awarded "SG Roco" with a certificate of recognition and a cash incentive for his heroism.
The CSG earlier launched a project that seeks to tap security guards as "eyes and ears" of the PNP against criminal activities, terrorism, espionage, and other matters relating to national security. (PNA)
