January 3, 2001, Sun Star, Two Makati cops killed in blast cited,

MANILA -- Two Makati police bomb experts killed during the rash of bombings Saturday were commended Tuesday for their bravery.

Makati City Mayor Elenita S.Binay said the timely arrival and quick action of the two Makati policemen averted a tragedy at the commercial district that could have surpassed the carnage at the Light Railway Transit (LRT) in Blumentritt, Sta. Cruz, Manila.

"The local government and the people of Makati and the general public are ever grateful," she stressed.

The mayor also lauded the Makati City Police Station for the swift response to an emergency call by alert security guards at the Makati commercial center during the height of the Christmas holiday shopping rush.

At the time of the incident, the commercial district was filled with thousands of shoppers from the city and other towns and cities.

Mrs. Binay said she would lead the formation of a foundation for the children of Makati policemen killed in line of duty.

The foundation will look after the education of children of deceased lawmen.

The Makati City Council will soon approve a resolution to pay tribute to the selfless dedication to duty and the bravery of SPO4 Roberto Gutierrez and Insp. Nestor Salvador.

Gutierrez, younger brother of Supt. Jovito Gutierrez, Makati police chief, and Salvador were members of the Makati police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

The Council resolution authored by councilors of the majority faction, said the two policemen were "dedicated police officers whose supreme sacrifice both pains and inspires us in government to always put the interest of the public first."

The mayor and her husband Jejomar C. Binay, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman, visited Sunday the wake of the two gallant Makati policemen. (Sunnex/wires)