Two Catandunganons were among those honored by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) during its 59th anniversary celebration, including Patrolwomen Cahriel Ann C. Tabirara who won the National Gallantry Award.
She is one of the three (3) PNP uniformed personnel from Regions 5, 7, and 11 who got the prestigious honor for demonstrating outstanding valor, fearless action in critical situations, and an unwavering sense of responsibility in the line of duty.
The sole recipient of the gallantry award at the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) culminating ceremony of the National Crime Prevention Week on September 8, 2025, Pat. Tabirara of the Catanduanes Police Provincial Office (CATPPO) was recognized for her extraordinary bravery and dedication to duty during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Pepito in San Andres, Catanduanes.
Responding to a desperate call for help, she braved raging winds and floodwaters to reach a woman in labor who was trapped inside her home.
With only a flashlight and no medical instruments, the registered nurse and midwife-turned-police offier successfully performed an emergency delivery, saving both mother and child.
Her heroism and professionalism in life-threatening conditions exemplify the highest standards of public service, bringing great honor and distinction to the PNP, the NAPOLCOM stated.
On the other hand, Staff Sergeant Evan Sumatra Tapayan of PRO 11 was likewise honored for his remarkable courage and exemplary leadership during the arrest of two of the most wanted persons in Davao de Oro where he sustained a gunshot wound in a fierce armed encounter that led to the neutralization of both suspects.
The third honoree, Pat. Mark Gomez Ornopis Sr. of PRO 7, was posthumously recognized for his unparalleled bravery and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
While pursuing an armed suspect who had earlier disarmed a security guard at a convenience store, he was fatally shot in the forehead.
Community Service Awards were also given to institutional partners and resource persons from the PNP in recognition of their invaluable support to crime prevention programs and contributions to the enhancement of police promotional examinations, respectively.
NAPOLCOM officials and employees were honored under the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) for their commendable milestones and professional achievements.
The Department of Health (DOH) presented the Gabriela Silang Award to NAPOLCOM Medical and Dental Section for its sustained conduct of mobile blood donation activities from 2020 to 2023.
Plaques and certificates were likewise awarded to the NAPOLCOM Model Supervisors and Associates, Loyalty Awardees, and Retirees in recognition of their exemplary service, dedication, and invaluable contributions to the Commission’s programs and initiatives.
Among the supervisors recognized at the event was P/Insp. Joanetto Victor N. Romano, adjudged as the Best Performing Supervisor for 2025.
NAPOLCOM Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer (VCEO) Ralph Calinisan, together with Commissioner Ricardo P. Bernabe III, Commissioner Josephus G. Angan, and Head Executive Assistant Alvin S. Mojica, graced the celebration and personally recognized the awardees and honorees.
In his closing message, VCEO Calinisan underscored the importance of humility in public service and reminded the men and women of NAPOLCOM that while their work brings pride and makes a profound impact on the lives of the Filipino people, it must always be carried out with humility and unity.
“Each day that we serve, we must serve humbly. Tayo po ay magpakumbaba sa araw-araw nating pagseserbisyo. The work that we do has significant impact. We continue to do our excellent work and I really hope everyone would be united in doing our work. We are proud to do our work, but we must be humble in doing our work,” he said.