City doubles reward for info on cop killers

CEBU, Philippines —   The Cebu City government will double the reward for anyone who can provide information on the identities and whereabouts of the suspected killers of Police/Captain Joel Deiparine, a member of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), who lost his life in the line of duty on October 25, during a shootout in Sitio Balaw, Barangay Sudlon 2 of this city.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival made this announcement in a press conference yesterday (October 27), while he expressed sadness over the death of the police officer, while performing his duty. He condemned the incident, noting that police personnel must be “careful” in the line of duty from now on.

Archival committed that the city government will add ?100,000 on top of the ?100,000 reward already offered by the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7.

Furthermore, Archival called on the suspects to voluntarily surrender to authorities.

“Ako lang hangyo sa mga kapolisan, I know you are very careful, unsaon pagdakop..but I think right now, it is more important that they would be very careful kay ang nahitabo di’ man gud ‘ta kabalo sa sitwasyon,” said the mayor, implying to prevent another shootout that may occur during hot pursuit operations.

To holistically address threats against peace and order, Archival said the city government has been intensifying efforts to provide more livelihood programs, along with various training opportunities, targeting sectors vulnerable to illegal drug involvement and criminal activities.

Meanwhile, Police/Captain Charisma Gonzales, information officer of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), expressed gratitude to Archival for doubling the ?100,000 cash reward initially offered by PRO-7.

“We are very happy to hear that the city mayor committed for an additional P100,000 reward money in addition to the P100,000 from our [Police] regional director,” she said in a separate interview.

When asked about the condition of Police Executive Master Sergeant Artchel Tero, who was injured during the shootout, alongside Deiparine, Gonzales said Tero is already recovering from his gunshot wounds and the trauma from the incident.

“Though minor lang iyahang injuries nga na sustain, but ang trauma and siguro ang nahitabo sa iyaha that time … also during the shooting incident, ma-traumatized jud ta,” said the police official.

Gonzales added that Tero and the late Deiparine were classmates and close friends.

Gonzales also urged the suspects to surrender to clear their names and have their side of the incident heard. “Among panawagan sa mga suspek, if mahimo, mo-surrender nalang sila. Mas maayo nga i-clear nalang nila ilahang pangalan,” she said.

“If in case, naa man gani sila’y reason or whatever happened or what really transpired during that incident, it’s better na sila na lang ang mo-appear para at least to hear their side also,” she added.

Gonzales also encouraged the public to report verified information to authorities that could help locate and arrest the suspects and bring justice for the death of their comrade. (CEBU NEWS)