[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 150 (Friday, November 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1984]]
                 TRIBUTE TO OFFICER FERDINAND J. IBABAO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 1, 2001

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this occasion to 
recognize a former student of mine, Ferdinand J. lbabao. A former 
police officer on Guam, Ferdinand recently distinguished himself by 
doing a heroic act while stationed in Kosovo.
  I have personally known this man for a long time and I can attest 
that he was a great asset while serving at the Guam Police Department. 
Upon his retirement from the island's police force, he secured an 
assignment as a police officer for the United Nations mission in 
Kosovo. While serving at this post, Ferdinand and a partner were 
assigned to provide security for an Austrian judge who presided over 
war crimes and high level criminal cases.
  The incident happened late at night as the officers escorted the 
judge to her home. As his partner led the judge towards her quarters, 
Ferdinand noticed a suspicious looking individual moving towards the 
judge's direction. Upon being confronted by Ferdinand, the man gruffly 
claimed he spoke no English. Without a second thought, Ferdinand pushed 
him away from the judge and patted him down for weapons.
  A scuffle ensued after Ferdinand ascertained that the individual had 
a loaded gun. Quickly, he managed to warn his partner of the impending 
danger. Upon Ferdinand's warning, his partner was able to quickly usher 
the judge safely to her residence. Ferdinand was able to subdue the 
armed man who was almost twice his size. His partner was able to assist 
him as soon as he made sure that the judge was safely inside her house.
  Meanwhile, a crowd had gathered to watch the commotion. Although he 
had fears of an accomplice within the growing group of bystanders, 
Ferdinand and his partner were able to contain the crowd until the 
Kosovo Police Service, the local police, arrived to place the 
individual under custody.
  For his actions, he received a commendation from the Deputy Regional 
Commander of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo Civilian Police 
Force. His commendation partly read: ``. . . the detection and arrest 
of an armed suspect close to the home of the VIP that you were 
escorting [has enhanced and improved] the image of UNMIK CivPol and the 
Kosovo Police Service . . . You should be proud that you have brought 
honor and credit to yourself, your uniform and above all the country 
that you represent.''
  At present Ferdinand and his family have relocated to Arizona where 
his wife is working towards a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice at 
Arizona State University. She plans to attend law school in the near 
future while Ferdinand is looking forward to being selected for the Sky 
Marshal Program.
  Mr. Speaker, I take great pride and pleasure in commending the acts 
of Ferdinand lbabao. He represents the best of what the island has to 
offer. I wish him the best of luck in his endeavors and urge him to 
keep up the good work.

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