SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – Two police officers from the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) were recognized for their exemplary act by the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday.
 
PCMS Ronald Caceres and PCMS Paolo Rimando were lauded for returning a lost wallet containing cash and identification cards to its rightful owner.
 
The officers, while off-duty, found the wallet on their way to a car repair shop in the city on January 9, 2024.
 
They immediately contacted the owner and returned the wallet without hesitation.
 
PRO1 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Lou Evangelista commended the officers, stating, "I am proud to have these two model officers in our ranks. Their dedication to honesty and service inspires us all, and I hope their actions encourage others to follow suit."
 
Caceres and Rimando, assigned to the Regional Base Police Office of the Regional Headquarters Support Unit (RHSU), received the Honesty, Integrity, and Public Service (HIP) Award.
 
This biannual program recognizes ordinary citizens who exemplify exceptional honesty, integrity, and accountability, aiming to inspire Filipinos to uphold these core values.
 
Director IV Ryan Medrano of the Field Investigation Office of the Ombudsman commended the officers, noting that two out of the 26 awardees nationwide for the 2024 mid-year HIP Award were from PRO1.
 
These officers' commitment to honesty and service is a shining example for everyone. (JCR/AMB/PIA Region 1)