The city government of Biñan, Laguna recently recognized the outstanding work of local law enforcers in ensuring a stable peace and order situation in the city.
Last June 5, outgoing Mayor Arman Dimaguila led the awarding ceremony for the city's outstanding officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at the Biñan People's Center.
Among those honored include PMS. Mark John Mangahis (Outstanding Policeman for 2025) and PSS. Josielyn Millares (Outstanding Policewoman for 2025).
Aside from receiving trophies of recognition, Mangahis and Millares also received a P50,000 cash reward from the city government of Biñan.
Meanwhile, ten other police officers also received special awards from the city government, with a corresponding P10,000 reward from the city government.
Strict vetting
The event was organized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the People's Law Enforcement Board (PLEB), a "check and balance mechanism" that receives complaints from the public about the performance of members of the PNP.
"Isa po itong regular na programa natin dito sa PLEB, at katunayan po ay isinasagawa na po natin ito for the last three years," Marcelino Sugie, chairman of the Biñan City PLEB, explained in an interview with OpinYon Laguna.
For Sugie, the Outstanding Police Officer Awards given by the city government aims not only to incentivize and boost morale among local police officers but also to raise public awareness on the achievements of the PNP.
“Marami po kasi ang hindi nakakapansin na marami pa ring mga pulis na magagaling, matitino at maayos magtrabaho. At dahil matagal na rin po akong involved sa peace and order, naisip ko, bakit hindi natin sila bigyan ng recognition? Bakit hindi natin kilalanin ang mga maaayos na nagsisilbi sa ating bayan?” he explained.
Sugie added that Biñan City's "outstanding" policemen are chosen under a strict criterion, such as the number of resolved cases and the absence of complaints against them.
"A total of 15 police officers were shortlisted for the Outstanding Police Officers Award by the PLEB, which includes myself; Bishop Arnold Dela Torre of the Biñan Pastors' Movement; Lenie Bautista, the DILG officer here in Biñan City; and the head of our women’s movement, Magdalena Leano,” he added.
‘Parang nanalo sa lotto’
For PMS. Mangahis, the recognition given to him by the Biñan City LGU is most treasured.
"Masaya po ang pakiramdam na nabigyan ka ng ganito award - para po akong nanalo sa lotto," was how he described his reaction to OpinYon Laguna.
Mangahis, who has been in the police force for over 20 years, credits his parents' upbringing for the award, saying that the life lessons they imparted to him enabled him to perform his duties as a member of the PNP "above and beyond" the expected standards.
“Ang pagkatanggap ko po ng award na ito ay sumisimbolo sa pagkatao ko, kung sino si Sgt. Mangahis sa kanyang trabaho bilang pulis,” he added.
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