News Feature: ‘Heroes Wall’ Immortalizes the Gallants, Braves

A three-volley gun salute and wreath laying at the newly reconstructed “Heroes Wall” of the Capiz Police Provincial Office (CPPO) at Camp Teodorico C. Apil in Barangay Lanot here honored Capiz policemen who sacrificed their lives in fulfilling their mission.

The wall, originally designed to prevent erosion of the hill supporting the CPPO’s administration building with a dedication marker, is redesigned, widened and named “For The Gallants And The Braves, Your Name Will Be Engraved.”

It displays etched names of at least 32 policemen killed in action in the performance of their noble duty since 1972 to date.

The tribute was joined by the widows, relatives and comrades in uniform of the fallen police officers led by Police Regional Office – 6 Director Chief Supt. John Bulalacao and Capiz Police Director Senior Supt. Samuel C. Nacion.

“I’m happy for this tribute and truly appreciate the effort of the CPPO,” said widow SPO3 Monien De Joseph in her message during the program.

The policewoman is the wife of Police Officer 1 Gary De Joseph who was killed during an operation against robbery suspects last March 2000 in Sigma town.

It is heart-warming that the sacrifices of my husband and other fallen police officers in Capiz have not been taken for granted, she stressed.

The wall is among the recent developments in the CPPO which has been awarded the 2017 best PPO at the national level last August.

For his part, retired policeman Senior Supt. Primo Golingay also appreciated the CPPO initiative noting that “the awards will be nothing if we will not recognize the heroism of those whose names are written on the wall.”

“They offered the supreme sacrifice for us to enjoy peace,” emphasized Golingay who has then served as Chief of Police of the Roxas City Police Station, among others, before his assignment to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and subsequent retirement from police service.

Sadly, the head of one of those names in the wall remain missing, he disclosed.

Familiarizing himself on the names at the wall, the retired police officer said he owed his life on the other three killed in an ambush as he was supposed to join them when the tragic incident happened.

Golingay added, referring to all active in the police service, “not all names need to be written on the wall as I know there is heroism in your heart” – that is recognizing what is proper, rule of law and respect for human rights, among others.

Heroism can be gained not only by offering the life but by those who simply offer a heartfelt and honest service, he pointed out.

But for CPPO, the wall is more than a reminder for a strong and firm commitment to work.

It signifies victory, peace, continuity and tells memories that there were once the braves and gallants for keeps. (LTP/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)