MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) commended two policemen last Wednesday afternoon for responding to a shooting incident that occurred last March 1 in Makati City.

NCRPO chief Director Nicanor Bartolome awarded the Medalya ng Kagalingan (PNP Medal of Merit) to PO3’s Julius Guerrero and Rey Sarcon. He also awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP Wounded Personnel Medal) to Guerrero, who was hit in the arm during the encounter.

Bartolome said they are quick to give commensurate awards and recognition to police personnel who perform extraordinary feats, especially to those who put their lives at risk so that others may live and be safe.

“May the actions of Guerrero and Sarcon serve as inspiration to other police officers in the field,” Bartolome said.

Last March 1, the two policemen were patrolling along the corner of Pasong Tamo corner Arnaiz Avenue in Makati City when they were alerted to a shooting incident inside a canteen at Ocampo St., resulting to the death of a Makati City Hall employee identified as Mario Leonardo Reyes, 51.

Investigation showed that at around 1:50 p.m., Reyes was eating inside a canteen when he was approached by an unidentified man and shot him at point blank. Reyes reportedly died instantly.

The two policemen who were alerted on the incident responded immediately and engaged in a shootout with the unidentified gunman, who was then joined by two other male persons.

Police said that Guerrero was hit in the left forearm during the shootout with the suspects.

Police said the suspects then scampered in different directions, with two of them forcibly taking at gun point a Honda Wave motorcycle (9947 ND) from owner George Castañeda.

Sarcon reportedly pursued and engaged the remaining suspect in a running gun battle, and was able to neutralize the suspect upon reaching P. Medina Street.

Police recovered the commandeered motorcycle which was found abandoned in the parking lot at the corner of Arnaiz and Makati Avenues.

The NCRPO said the case is still under investigation to determine the motive behind the killing of Reyes.