By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Police Chief Master Sergeant Earnie Abanco from Bacolod City won gold (rapid) and silver (standard) in chess in the recently concluded 2025 World Police & Fire (WPF) Games held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

In his social media post, Abanco was thankful for the generosity and kindness of the Filipino-American community in Birmingham and to their sponsor.

“Grateful and honored to represent the Philippine National Police [PNP] and our flag at the 2025 WPF Games in Birmingham, Alabama,” Abanco wrote in his Facebook post.

“Bringing home gold and silver in chess was more than just a win — it was a celebration of every hand that lifted me up along the way,” he said.

“To my PNP teammates, NPTI-PRTC7 family, loved ones and my ever supportive coach wifey — your belief in me made this possible. This victory is ours to share!”

Currently, Abanco has a FIDE rating of 2165 in standard, 2142 in rapid and 2159 in blitz./ASC, WDJ