Police Officers 1 Rueco, Bantiyag, Langpawen, and Macabadbad (from left to right) pose with MOA executive Perkin So after receiving their Medalya ng Kagitingan medal and Certificate of Commendation during the flag ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City. JAIME SINAPIT/InterAksyon.com

MANILA – The four policewomen who promptly responded to a robbery by the “Martilyo Gang” last March 13 inside the Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City received the Medalya ng Kagalingan (Medals of Merit) at Monday’s flag ceremony of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The management of MOA also awarded the policewomen a Certificate of Commendation.

The police officers are Police Officers Juliet S. Macabadbad, Delia B. Langpawen, Marcelina M. Bantiyag, and Maricel A. Rueco, all from the Pasay City Police Office under the Southern Police District (SPD).

Their response resulted in the arrest of one robber and the wounding of another who was able to escape.

Macabadbad, a native of Solana, Cagayan, led her team assigned to the Police Assistance Desk at the South Wing of MOA in quickly responding against a group of armed men who were robbing a jewelry stall.

“When we saw shoppers running, our team quickly regrouped and moved to find the location of the target. The problem is when we saw the targets, we could not just shoot them because there were so many shoppers running in front of us. So we waited for the right timing and we fired, wounding one of them. They retaliated but we were in good position,” she said.

Her companions – Langpawen, Bantiyag, and Rueco – said it was a “call of duty” to respond no matter how risky a situation is.

“It’s part of my duty to protect, defend, and save lives in situations like that. It is also my duty to arrest or neutralize a criminal or suspect,” Langpawen said.

“That experience boosted my morale and resolve as a police officer. I will not hesitate to face criminals the next time around,” Bantiyag said.

Rueco said: “Working as a team is great. We are you police officers and we have to serve, protect, and defend.”

Perkin So, MOA’s executive vice president for operations, handed each of them a Certificate of Commendation.

“Actually, they deserved to be commended. We’ve already recommended to the SPD director to maintain their Police Assistance Desk because it is really a great help in terms of security. For the four policewomen, thank you very much to all of you and PNP in general,” So said in an ambush interview with the awardees.