ILOILO — Three personnel of the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Unit 6 (AVSEU 6) were formally recognized for their recent gallantry after swiftly neutralizing an armed and unruly passenger inside the Iloilo International Airport, an action authorities said helped avert a potentially deadly situation in a crowded departure area.
Honored were Police Executive Master Sergeant Dixon Zabala, Police Senior Master Sergeant Mark Lester Deocades, and Patrolman Ramon Marcelino Jr., who responded to the January 28 incident involving passenger Roland Lañojan, 54, of Sagay, Camiguin.
The awarding ceremony was led by Office for Transportation Security undersecretary Gilbert DC Cruz, together with AVSEU 6 officials under the leadership of Police Lieutenant Colonel Louie Dionglay, at the Iloilo International Airport on February 2.
Cruz lauded the officers’ decisive action and coordination with airport security protocols in dealing with “a violent incident involving a passenger brandishing a deadly weapon in the airport’s departure area.”
He emphasized that such bravery is critical in maintaining the integrity and safety of the nation’s transportation hubs.
AVSEU 6 said it continues to maintain a heightened security posture to ensure that Iloilo International Airport remains a safe environment for all local and international passengers./PN
