By Tracy Cabrera
HEARTFELT sympathy and leadership was clearly felt where it mattered most as Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. personally went to United Candelaria Doctors Hospital in Quezon to check on the wounded police personnel and pay his final respects to a fallen officer who figured in a recent encounter with criminal elements in Candelaria town in Quezon province.
The country’s Top Cop made the visit to his men following the armed confrontation on the evening of December 19, 2025 at a secluded spot of the barangay road near Sitio Pulyok in Barangay San Isidro.
Initial reports disclosed that while conducting mobile patrol operations, police personnel encountered several armed individuals near a banana plantation and one suspect opened fire without any provocation, prompting the police to defend themselves. Two cops were severely wounded while one officer was killed in the gun battle.
During the hospital visit, Nartatez personally awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting and the Medalya ng Kadakilaan to the injured troopers in recognition of their courage under fire. He also ensured that immediate financial assistance was extended to support their treatment and recovery.
The gestures were direct and deliberate, reflecting the Chief PNP’s exceptional leadership approach grounded in presence and responsibility rather than distance and formality.
Nartatez also paid his last respects to Patrolman Ron Jay Chavez of the 2nd Quezon Provincial Mobile Force Company, who was declared dead on arrival following the bloody encounter. His quiet moment beside the fallen officer spoke of command that carries both authority and compassion.
By choosing to be physically present, the acting PNP chief sent a clear message across the ranks: courage is recognized, sacrifice is honored and no officer stands alone—thus reinforcing the organization’s commitment to care for its people, especially in moments of loss and recovery.
metrosundaily
