PRRD Condoles with Families of Slain Cops in Leyte

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte planed in late today, June 29 to condole with the grieving family of the policemen killed in action in Samar, Monday.

The bodies of the six cops lay in wake at the PNP Regional Headquarters in Palo, Leyte.

The Matapat Hall was hushed when the President entered the hall, he stayed on for at least 15 minutes per casket, trying to comfort the relatives who until now are craving for the outcome of the probe, that is currently being done by authorities.

The country’s highest official awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Kalasag to each dead cop which he placed on top of the casket and while saying comforting words to the next of kins, he also handed over cellphones, and white envelopes to the grieving relatives.

The envelopes reportedly contained financial assistance of Php 250,000.00 from the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF).

Emotions poured in as the relatives felt the sympathy offered by the President.

The mother of PO1 Phil Rey Mendigo seemingly composed, is still grieving inside, she recalled that early this June, she visited her son at his office near San Juanico Bridge, she hugged him tightly then, she remembered, as she tried to control her emotions.

Mendigo is the breadwinner of the family, she missed him terribly, the grieving mother said.

“It is some relief that we are comforted by the President who personally offered sympathy to our family,” the mother said.

Peter Noromor, father of PO1 Wyndell S. Noromor said he hopes that justice will be served. His manly composure was somewhat shaken as he talked of Wyndell, his only son as his other children are girls.

Ruth Escalo is the widow of PO1 Julie Y. Escalo, the young widow said her mind is ‘sabog’ and still could not absorb what happened to her husband, the last time they met was on Sunday, the day before the unfortunate circumstances happened to her husband. Escalo left two very young children, aged 5 years old and the younger one five months old.

The President promised the surviving heirs that he would grant them all assistance the government could offer.

With the President were DILG Secretary Eduardo Ano, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Special Assistant to the President Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde, Army Chief Carlito Galvez and Visayas Presidential Assistant Michael Dino.

The President then proceeded to the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center to visit those wounded in action.

It will be recalled that the six policemen were killed in action in Samar and nine others were wounded in Sta. Rita town, Samar province on June 25, Monday. (AJC/NBQ/PIA8)