Maia Sandu attended the funeral ceremony in memory of officer Serghei Muntean. "Together we will carry in our hearts the memory of his heroism"
The head of state attended the funeral ceremony held at the Border Police headquarters in Chisinau to honour the memory of officer Sergei Muntean. On behalf of all citizens of the Republic of Moldova, the President expressed her sincere condolences to Sergei's family, colleagues and all those close to him.
"I know there are no words that can even slightly ease your pain, but know that we share your grief. Together we will carry in our hearts the memory of his heroism," said Maia Sandu.
The head of state stressed that through the sacrifice of Sergei Muntean and Igor Ciofu, other people escaped unharmed and that Moldova exists thanks to such heroes, who day after day do their duty with dignity. But every life lost is a tragedy for all of us, for the whole country.
On Monday 3 July, the head of state signed a decree declaring 4 July a day of national mourning. Also by presidential decree, the "Military Merit" Medal was awarded post-mortem to Igor Ciofu, a retired lieutenant-colonel of the State Protection and Guard Service, and Serghei Muntean, deputy chief agent of the MAI Border Police.
Police officers from all over the country also held a minute's silence in memory of fallen officers, and the subdivisions of the General Inspectorate of Police lowered the State Flag at half-mast.
The Romanian Border Police also came with a message of condolences. *"We express our deep regret for the tragic end and we are with our comrades across the Prut, with the awareness that the duty of a policeman is more important than his own survival. We honour his memory and express our sympathy to his family and colleagues! Serghei, the Romanian border guards salute you!"
An armed attack occurred on 30 June at Chisinau International Airport. A citizen of Tajikistan shot dead two employees of the force structures: border policeman Serghei Muntean and security agent Igor Ciofu.
During the shooting, the attacker was wounded and in serious condition. On the evening of 3 July, he died in a hospital in the Republic of Moldova.
