Retired policeman Jose Yamasaki Repompo
People have different plots of their own stories. Rags-to-riches stories might be cliche for some but why aren’t most people ever get tired of hearing these?
This love month, we are not only wired to spending this special day with our loved ones but also to celebrate what we have fought for ourselves.
This is the story of Jose Yamasaki Repompo, 44, a retired policeman from Carcar City, and his love and passion to serve and to protect.
His humble beginning started when he dreamed of becoming a policeman. To be a cop didn’t need much persuasion because it runs in the blood. With that, he persevered to realize his dream. However, when Repompo was 19, his partner got pregnant. That left him with no choice but to be a man and take on the responsibilities as a father. Through the hardships of being a father at a young age, he continued studying until he graduated and completed his training to become a police officer.
But this isn’t only what he is trying to tell.
Policemen during his time were not as huge as they are today. Repompo’s basic salary then was a measly P7,000 including allowances. It was a hard go for them compared to today’s P40,000 salary.
Since he already has a family to feed and to provide for their needs, Repompo and his wife ventured into the strap and piggery business.
“Sauna, apil gali kog pamasura kuyug kos akong asawa kung asa tong basurahan kay manimbang mi kay para makasupport mis akong mga anak, upat gud kabuok akong mga anak. “
As for their piggery business, he said he would go as far as Mantalongon to buy pigs.
“Nakasurvive gyud mi kay usahay mamaboy ko, adtog Mantalongon “
Other than his effort to provide for the financial security of his family, another major concern for Repompo is their safety since he received lots of threats due to his active campaign against illegal drugs. He said they even experienced being ambushed at their house.
“Makatulog gud ni akong pamilya og laing balay kay para lang pag depensa, para dili sila maamong sa akong trabaho”
Despite the dangers that he and his family faced every day, Repompo remained undaunted and unwavering in fulfilling his duties as a police officer.
Because of his unquestionable bravery and dedication to his profession, Repompo received several awards from the Philippine National Police when he was still in active service.
At the age of 43, he decided to retire from the police force.
When asked why he retired that early? he said he wanted to secure his future and that of his family even if it meant giving up his childhood dream.
From serving and protecting other people, his focus now is to serve and protect his family.
As a servant of the people for 23 long years, he has a message for those who would like to enter the police service and that is to stand up to their oath of serving and protecting the people and to commit to their responsibilities wholeheartedly and not take these for granted./rcg