Zambales Police Provincial Director PCOL Benjamin P. Ariola receives the Medalya ng Pagkilala from PBGEN Jess B. Mendez, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), in recognition of his distinguished service and contributions to the police organization. (Photo by: Zambales Provincial Police Office)
IBA, Zambales — The Zambales police leadership and field units have been recognized for intelligence-driven operations that led to the arrest of two alleged members of a robbery group and the seizure of firearms and explosives.
Zambales Police Provincial Director PCOL Benjamin P. Ariola received the Medalya ng Pagkilala, while personnel of the Cabangan Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) were conferred the Medalya ng Kadakilaan during the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) flag-raising ceremony at Camp Captain Julian Olivas in San Fernando, Pampanga, on October 5, 2026.
Photo by: Zambales Provincial Police Office
PRO3 Regional Director PBGEN Jess B. Mendez presented the awards, citing the recipients for exemplary performance and leadership in the implementation of search warrants and anti-illegal drug operations.
The Zambales Police Provincial Office said the operations resulted in the apprehension of two individuals allegedly linked to a robbery group and the confiscation of various firearms and explosives.
The recognition underscores the growing role of intelligence gathering, coordinated police operations and the effective implementation of search warrants in disrupting criminal activities.
The Medalya ng Pagkilala is awarded for notable performance or accomplishment, while the Medalya ng Kadakilaan recognizes exceptional service and accomplishment by police personnel.
Following the regional ceremony, Zambales police held its own traditional flag-raising ceremony at Camp Captain Conrado D. Yap in Iba, led by PLTCOL Cris B. Cordero Jr., deputy provincial director for administration.
The awards come as the Zambales police intensify intelligence gathering, inter-unit coordination and law-enforcement operations against illegal drugs and other criminal activities.
The recognition also highlights the contribution of field and intelligence personnel whose operational support enables authorities to identify and act against individuals allegedly involved in organized criminal activities.