After 18 years, the Philippine National Police will commemorate the heroism of those who defended the former Philippine Constabulary/Integrated National Police camp in Nagbagang, Sta. Catalina, Oriental Negros.

It will be recalled that on February 28, 1988, at about 4 p.m., two truckload of fully armed New People's Army rebels attacked the camp with highpowered firearms.

Four PC/INP men died in defending the headquarters of the former 336th PC/INP company, with undetermined casualties on the part of the rebels.

PNP provincial director Sr.Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe said it is high time the positive aspect of the incident be remembered and to give honor to the heroic acts of the PC/INP men.

Killed in action during the NPA raid were Sgt. Abubakar Arasain, Sgt. Crispin Tagason, Pfc Jessie Navarro and Constable First Class Jesus Tumapang.

Buenafe was the platoon leader of the provincial strike platoon at the time with the rank of 2nd lieutenant, and his team was reinforced and engaged the withdrawing rebels in a firefight in Tamlang Valley during that time.

The former 336th PC/INP camp will be developed into a training camp for the police, with a firing range and an obstacle course.

It will also be developed into a tourism site with a shrine dedicated to the PC/INP men who successfully defended it and died in that battle.

The activities lined up include a wreath-laying activities tomorrow with Gov. George Arnaiz and local officials present.

One of the survivors, Police Inspector Angelbert Nioda, said they received radio calls before the attack, prompting them to prepare for the contingency. He was supposed to report for duty on that day, but received an earlier order relieving him of his post, he said.

Other survivors are Capt. Manuel Nabia, C2C Sarsuelo, C2C Endico who was manning the M-60 machinegun and C2C Mamar.*JG

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