BATANGAS CITY, Philippines — Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto praised the three Batangueño awardees in the 2011 Metrobank Foundation Search for the country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) and The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS).

The Batangueño winners were PO3 Rodel U. Alcano,a native of Mabini, who emerged as one of the awardees in the Police Non-Commissioned Officers Category; and, Philippine Air Force’s Master Sergeant Maria Teresa M. Bitong of Mataas na Kahoy; and Master Sergeant Nelson D. Mercado, from Lipa City; both earned spots in TOPS’ ten best soldiers.

Ginette Segismundo, Capitol’s information officer said the lady governor was informed of the honor through a formal letter from Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepeña.