Battle-tested Cordilleran Cop from Benguet leads NCRPO's Regional Mobile Force Battalion

Photo Courtesy || NCRPO RMFB

Cordillera, - Battled-tested and Marawi war hero, Col. Lambert A. Suerte, of Bokod, Benguet is now leading the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) after his successful stint as RMFB commander in Region 3.

Last year, Col. Suerte, an Ibaloi cop and the commanding officer of the PNP-SAF deployed in Marawi was among the special awardees who were given recognition during the 116th Philippine National Police Service Awards in Camp Crame on August 8. 

Police Supt, Lambert Suerte, who worked as commanding officer of the PNP_SAF Rapid Deployment Battalion received the award together with four other SAF commandos from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. 

Suerte received the award for his exemplary performance in the ongoing battle in Marawi City where ISIS-inspired Maute members had occupied. 

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"A special award is presented to Police Supt. Lambert A. Suerte, Special Action Force, for his exemplary performance on law enforcement that led in the successful conduct of offensive clearing and counter-sniper operations in Marawi City that prevented further acts of terrorism," Suerte's citation read. 

Suerte is a proud son of Bokod, Benguet and served the Cordillera region before he was called by PNP-SAF Director Benjamin Lusad because of his vast experience in police operations.

Back in 2014, Suerte was also given recognition for his service by President Aquino. He was given the Leadership Award, which is the highest award the province of Benguet confers to its outstanding sons and daughter, who has made difference to peoples' lives. 

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Brave Igorot soldier from Bontoc 1st Lt. Fagyan shares his experience fighting in Marawi

Photo Courtesy || Philippine Army

Cordillera - 1st Lt. Kent Fagyan appeared at the Batasang Pambansa hall in Quezon City during the joint session of the House of Representative and Senate on Saturday to share his experience in the battle he and the rest on his platoon had experienced in Marawi City.

1st Lieutenant Kent Fagyan is an Igorot soldier from Gonogon, Bontoc, Mountain Province. He was sent to Mindanao and both served during the Zamboanga siege and the Marawi siege.

In his speech, he detailed how the Marawi battle is very much different from the Zamboango siege he experienced in 2014 because they are facing a different kind of enemy (the Maute terrorist group). 

He explained that the Maute fighters have more advance war equipment like radio frequency scanner, high caliber firearms and drone. He also said that the enemy are fighting in an advantage position.

Fagyan, 29-year-old is the commanding officer of the 15-DRC 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. He told the house how they are fighting the battle from house to house, chamber to chamber to clear the city from the enemy and also rescue those trap civilians inside.

To clear every corner of the house from hiding Maute fighters, Fagyan told that his team must use tear-gas and grenades.

During the Fagyan's speech senator Dick Gordon noticed Fagyan's right arm was wrapped and he asked how he got wounded. Fagyan told him he got wounded together with his two colleagues in a close encounter with the enemy in a house they were conducting clearing operation.

Gordon was emotionally moved by Fagyan's story and saluted him for his bravery An applause followed from both the congressmen and senators ensued.

Wounded Fagyan also expressed his gratitude to all those who have supported them by sending clothing, food and water.

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"In behalf po sa mga kasamahan ko na lumalaban pa sa Marawi, nararamdaman po namin na hindi kami nag-iisa na lumalaban sa kanila," he said.

Legislators on Saturday finally voted in favor to the request of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend Martial Law in Mindanao for 150 more days to completely eradicate Islamist insurgents in Marawi City.

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