THE PHILIPPINE National Police Academy has added the image of Colonel Rannie Rachuela in its Valor Wall for his efforts and contribution in thwarting a terrorist attack in Siocon Town in Zamboanga del Norte.

During its leadership summit on Monday, Ret. Police Lt. Gen. Jaime Delos Santos, former commanding general of the Philippine Army and PNPA Director PBrig. Gen. Eric Noble hang Hachuela’s picture on the Valor Wall for “conspicuous gallantry when he led his men in defending Siocon town and for rescuing the town mayor and his family while fending off members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front led by Jairullah Hassan, also known as Commander Hairon, and the Abu Sayyaf in 2003.”

Hachuela, a graduate of PNPA Kapanalig Class of 1997, was a 27-year-old police captain then and the group director of the 903rd Provincial Mobile Group.

The nearly nine-hour long gunbattle ended late morning of May 4, 2003 and claimed the lives of 13 of the attackers, 12 civilians and 11 from the government side.

The town’s public market was also destroyed by the rebels, who also held a number of hostages as they fled to nearby Sibuco town.

Hachuela rallied his men to put up a strong fight despite running low on ammunition and while waiting for reinforcements. His group stopped the wave of attacks by MILF rebels who were trying to take over the town hall, police station and the municipal hospital.

PNPA said that he possessed the foresight, leadership and the ability to influence events in their favor.

During his speech, Hachuela said that he was just returning the favor to the PNP and the six of his coworkers who perished in the clash with the rebels.

“It was a matter of life and death, so you only consider how you can defend yourself and your people at that point,” he said.

“This is part of the job,” he added.