Pillars of Integrity: JCI Manila Honors 20 Outstanding Police Officers at the 7th Ignacio B. Gimenez Outstanding Police Service Awards

For every crime prevented, every victim protected, every community empowered, and every life changed, there is often a police officer whose story remains untold.

On June 5, 2026, JCI Manila, in partnership with the Ignacio B. Gimenez Foundation, honored twenty exceptional members of the Philippine National Police during the 7th Ignacio B. Gimenez Outstanding Police Service Awards at the PNP Multipurpose Hall in Camp Crame.

Carrying the theme “Pillars of Integrity: Strengthening the Rule of Law Through Exemplary Public Service,” the annual awards recognized police officers whose contributions have gone beyond the call of duty and created lasting impact in their communities and within the institution.

Now on its seventh year, the awards continue to shine a light on remarkable yet often unseen acts of service within the police force, celebrating not only operational excellence but also integrity, compassion, innovation, and leadership.

A Gathering of Leaders in Justice and Public Service

The ceremony brought together distinguished leaders from the judiciary, national government, law enforcement, and civil society.

Delivering the keynote address was Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, who emphasized the critical role police officers play in the administration of justice.

“For many Filipinos, their first encounter with justice is through a police officer,” Justice Marquez said, noting that justice begins long before a case reaches the courts through proper investigation, evidence preservation, and adherence to due process.

Representing the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Assistant Secretary Maria Liavel C. Badillo-Crisostomo conveyed the message of Secretary Jonvic Remulla and thanked the awardees for their commitment to public service.

“Through your service, people not only become safer but also feel safer,” she remarked.

The institutional message of PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. was delivered by Police Brigadier General Vina H. Guzman, Director of the Police Community Affairs and Development Group.

In his message, the Chief PNP described the awards as a celebration of character, sacrifice, and integrity in police service.

“Your badge is not merely a symbol of authority; it is a daily promise that justice will prevail, that the vulnerable will be protected, and that public trust will never be taken for granted.”

Representing the awards’ founder, JCI Sen. Ignacio B. Gimenez, Mark Gimenez reminded attendees that good work should never go unnoticed and that the awards honor not only accomplishments but also the values embodied by the recipients.

Twenty Stories of Excellence

The 2026 roster of honorees reflects the many dimensions of modern policing, from crime prevention and cybercrime investigations to child protection, community development, humanitarian service, peacebuilding, and institutional innovation.

The twenty awardees were:

• Police Lieutenant Colonel Harvey S. Abellanosa, recognized for transforming community policing in Ozamiz City through innovative programs that empower communities and strengthen public trust.
• Police Chief Master Sergeant Aniano P. Aguado, honored for humanitarian initiatives that brought assistance, hope, and meaningful support to underserved communities.
• Police Lieutenant Janice C. Agustin, cited for her advocacy in protecting women and children from exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.
• Police Captain Rhina B. Castillo, recognized for advancing compassionate, victim-centered policing and strengthening public awareness on women and children’s protection.
• Police Corporal Rhona Mae Magsino Cometa, honored for peacebuilding, youth development, healthcare access, and social reintegration programs benefiting vulnerable communities.
• Police Staff Sergeant Joven C. Culanculan, recognized for over a decade of grassroots engagement, disaster response, and public safety initiatives.
• Police Master Sergeant Mary Ann Gregorio Datuin, cited for advancing community-oriented policing and strengthening community engagement in Makati City.
• Police Major Dadje B. Delima, honored for his leadership in intelligence-driven anti-illegal drug operations that enhanced public safety in Iloilo Province.
• Police Staff Sergeant Shena Dee S. Escobido, recognized for championing women’s empowerment, child protection, human rights, and victim support programs.
• Police Lieutenant Colonel April Dela Rosa Fabian, honored for transforming forensic science through innovation, modernization, and operational excellence.
• Police Major Jay Ar Fajardo, cited for innovative crime prevention and police visibility initiatives that strengthened public confidence and emergency response.
• Police Chief Master Sergeant Glenjie S. Garcia, recognized for community development, mental health advocacy, and humanitarian outreach programs.
• Police Corporal Brenz John C. Grageda, honored for exceptional courage and dedication in high-impact security operations against criminal and insurgent activities.
• Police Master Sergeant Mildred J. Marinda, recognized for championing the protection of women and children through advocacy, education, and victim-centered interventions.
• Police Major Jefferson D. Mukay, honored for transforming conflict-affected communities through peacebuilding, healthcare, education, and livelihood initiatives.
• Police Captain Felino P. Nebato, cited for strengthening access to justice through innovative legal assistance programs and ethical leadership.
• Police Lieutenant Aldrin R. Paguian, recognized for advancing the PNP’s cybercrime and digital forensic capabilities through innovation and specialized training.
• Police Colonel Michael P. Palermo, honored for transformative programs in education, youth development, and community engagement.
• Police Colonel Alex S. Pederio, recognized for strategic logistics leadership and operational excellence that strengthened police readiness and public service delivery.
• Police Colonel Ruel D. Tagel, honored for innovative programs in technology, education, livelihood support, and peacebuilding that transformed communities across the Cordillera Region.

Each honoree received a plaque of recognition, a commemorative medal, and a cash award in recognition of their contributions to public service and nation-building.

Beyond the Badge

In his remarks, Awards Chairman Randolf Vista reflected on the purpose behind the recognition program, emphasizing that many police officers quietly serve communities without expecting public acknowledgment.

“This recognition is not just from JCI Manila. It comes from every Filipino who has felt safer because of your service.”

Closing the ceremony, JCI Manila President Edison Ke reminded attendees that every badge represents a personal story of sacrifice.

“Behind every badge is a human story. A story of long nights away from family, of duty placed ahead of personal safety, and sacrifices that often go unseen and unrecognized.”

The message resonated throughout the ceremony.

While statistics may measure arrests, crime reduction, or operational success, the true legacy of public service is often found elsewhere: in communities made safer, victims given justice, children protected, opportunities created, and trust restored.

As the Ignacio B. Gimenez Outstanding Police Service Awards enters its seventh year, it continues to affirm a simple but powerful truth: integrity remains the foundation of public service, and the quiet heroes who uphold it deserve to be recognized.

For these twenty officers, the award is not merely recognition of what they have accomplished. It is a testament to the values they embody and the lives they continue to impact through service beyond the badge.

The success of this year’s awards program was made possible through the efforts of the organizing committee led by Chairman Randolf Vista, together with Co-Chairman Jake Lagazo, under the supervision of Horacio Cebrero IV, Director for Special Projects of JCI Manila. Hosting the ceremony was Dan Michael Gallego, who welcomed distinguished guests from the judiciary, law enforcement, government, civil society, and the families of the awardees in a celebration of integrity, service, and leadership.