BACOLOD City – The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) recognized the bravery of a Bacolod City police officer who was wounded during a drug bust operation last week.
Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, personally conferred the Medalya ng Papuri on Staff Sergeant Mark Loui Soriba at the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center in Barangay Taculing, where he is confined, on September 14.
Soriba, assigned to Police Station 7 of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), was seriously injured during a buy-bust at Pana-ad Access Road, Barangay Mansilingan, on September 11 when a black sedan accidentally rammed a tricycle involved in the operation.
Another police officer, the suspect, and the tricycle driver also sustained minor injuries. All were brought to the hospital for medical treatment, with Soriba requiring urgent care.
Police said the suspect was arrested, while investigation confirmed the sedan driver had no ties to him. A charge for reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries and damage to property was filed against the driver, who has since posted bail.
Despite life-threatening circumstances, Soriba showed courage and dedication in the performance of duty, PRO-NIR said.
His heroism, the regional police added, stands as a testament to the core values of service, honor, and justice upheld by the Philippine National Police./PN
