POLICE CAPTAIN JOEL Deiparine would always be remembered as a dedicated officer exemplifying courage, integrity and a deep sense of duty—qualities that define the kind of individuals forming part of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In a rare instance, acting PNP chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., led the nation in paying tribute to the fallen member of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)’s Regional Field Unit 7.
What could have been a riding career as police officer was cut short when Deiparine’s life was tragically taken by an assassin’ s bullet in a deadly ambush while he was performing his duty in Barangay Sudlon 2 in Cebu City.
The Chief PNP personally visited the funeral home where the CIDG captain was laid in state in Talisay City, Cebu. With Nartatez were PNP Region VII director Brigadier General Redrico ‘Red’ Maranan and senior police officials as he paid his final respects to the policeman, husband and father.
The general extended his condolences and gratitude to the bereaved family, honoring Deiparine’s loyalty and dedicated service to the national police.
Nartatez also turned over financial assistance to the Deiparine family to reaffirm the PNP’s commitment of caring for its personnel and their families, both in life and in loss.
“Captain Deiparine was a police officer who served with heart, courage and commitment—a true reflection of the ideals that define the Philippine National Police,” the general enthused to describe the fallen comrade.
He recounted that Capt. Deiparine, who was serving as assistant chief of intelligence of the CIDG RFU 7, was leading a surveillance operation on October 25 when he and his companion, Master Sergeant Artchel Tero, were ambushed by unidentified assailants in Sitio Balaw in Barangay Sudlon 2.
“The attack was sudden and merciless, (yet Deiparine) stood firm in his duty—a testament to his bravery and commitment to the mission—and (after a brief gunfight) was fatally wounded, while Tero survived with minor injuries,” the general narrated.
Nartatez previously offered a ₱500,000 reward for any information that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Last October 29, one of the suspects, identified as Leonardo ‘Jun’ Manto Jr., surrendered to the authorities in Pasig City. Manto admitted involvement in the ambush during a radio interview, saying he voluntarily gave up because he “felt the pressure” by the nationwide manhunt.
Manto, who remains under police custody, is set to fly to Cebu to face charges.