InsiderPH features the inspiring stories of Metrobank Foundation’s awardees as Outstanding Filipino for 2024 — teachers, soldiers and police officers who are making significant contributions to nation building.
A seasoned strategist and tactical expert with 15 years of service, Balmaceda currently serves as the Deputy Force Commander of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). His expertise in operations and intelligence has left an indelible mark on the nation’s law enforcement landscape.
Balmaceda’s career reached a defining crescendo during the siege of Marawi City in 2017. As a platoon leader of the Scout Ranger Class 202-2017, he found himself at the epicenter of a brutal urban conflict that pitted government forces against a determined and heavily armed enemy.
The battle raged for five months, and their ranger class caught up the last three remaining months: a relentless ordeal marked by intense firefights, improvised explosive devices, and the constant threat of sniper fire. Balmaceda and his Ranger class endured these challenges with unwavering courage, employing innovative tactics to neutralize enemy positions and protect civilian lives.
Balmaceda’s unit endured significant losses but persevered – their sacrifices instrumental in turning the tide. A pivotal moment arrived in October 2017, when a daring intelligence-driven operation led to the neutralization of key extremist leaders and the liberation of hostages. Civilian lives remained paramount, necessitating careful targeting and the deployment of civilian intermediaries to facilitate surrenders. This decisive victory significantly weakened the enemy and brought hope to a city on edge.
Beyond the battlefield, Balmaceda has been a driving force in reforming the PNP from within, focusing on the critical stages of recruitment and training to elevate the integrity of its ranks.
Recognizing vulnerabilities in the recruitment process, and thru the guidance of his superiors, he spearheaded the development of Operational Plan “Pagsungko” in 2020.
This initiative marked a turning point, introducing unprecedented oversight through the deployment of the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group to monitor recruitment activities nationwide. Pagsungko’s impact was substantial: leading to the apprehension of individuals involved in recruitment-related misconduct and fostering a more equitable system for aspiring police officers.
Complementing Pagsungko, Balmaceda initiated Oplan “Bansay” (Bantay sa Pagsasanay) to safeguard the integrity of the PNP’s Basic Recruit Training Program.
Through the Training Process Monitoring Team, Oplan Bansay has effectively addressed malpractices, corruption, and abuse within training centers, significantly enhancing the quality of training and producing a more competent and ethical police force.
Balmaceda’s two-pronged approach to recruitment and training development underscore his commitment to building a more transparent, accountable, and professional police force.
A staunch advocate for environmental conservation, Balmaceda recognized the critical role of the La Mesa Watershed Reservation Complex in sustaining life in Metro Manila. As the last remaining rainforest in the metropolis, this 27-square-kilometer ecosystem is a vital source of clean water for millions of residents. To safeguard this irreplaceable resource, Balmaceda spearheaded the development of a security plan with proactive and reactive strategy, that would shield the watershed from threats while preserving its ecological integrity.
The resulting security plan outlines a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the watershed. It encompasses a wide range of measures – from physical security protocols to environmental conservation initiatives – to be implemented by government agencies, private corporations, and actively participated by the surrounding local communities of the complex.
Since 2008, Balmaceda’s career has been a relentless pursuit of justice, marked by critical assignments across the archipelago. From the urban jungles of Luzon to the remote provinces of Mindanao, he has confronted the nation’s most dangerous threats head-on. His commitment to duty has led to the dismantling of notorious criminal networks, the capture of high-value targets, and the seizure of illicit contraband.
A graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy “Sinag-Tala” Class of 2012, Balmaceda has distinguished himself as a leader adept at both strategic planning and tactical execution. His exceptional service has been recognized with over 80 medals, awards, and distinctions, a testament to his commitment to excellence in law enforcement. — Metrobank Foundation
