A P500,000 bounty has been offered for information leading to the arrest of suspects behind the fatal shooting of a police intelligence officer and the wounding of another during a surveillance operation in Cebu City last week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Tuesday.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) spokesperson Major Helen Dela Cruz identified the slain officer as Police Captain Joel Hernan Deiparine, Assistant Chief of the Intelligence Section of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 7.

His companion, Executive Master Sergeant Artchel Tero, sustained minor injuries in the attack.

According to Dela Cruz, the officers were conducting a surveillance operation against a suspected gun-for-hire group in Sitio Balaw, Barangay Sudlon 2, Cebu City on 25 October when one of the suspects suddenly stopped their vehicle and opened fire.

Deiparine and Tero, who were riding a motorcycle, were caught in the hail of bullets.

“Talaga deadly and dangerous itong ating mga suspects. Imagine, nag-open fire sila sa authority. Dapat makuha ang lahat ng mga loose firearms dahil ito nga po ang mga krimen na pwede mangyari,” Dela Cruz lamented. (“These suspects are truly deadly and dangerous. Imagine, they opened fire on the authorities themselves. All loose firearms must be seized because crimes like this can happen due to unregulated weapons.”)

The CIDG strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly assault” on law enforcement officers performing their duties.

To speed up the manhunt, Dela Cruz said the PNP is offering a P500,000 reward to anyone who can provide credible information leading to the suspects’ arrest.

Meanwhile, CIDG Director P/MGen. Robert Morico II personally visited the wake of Captain Deiparine in Cebu City, where he extended financial assistance and moral support to the bereaved family.

In recognition of his bravery and sacrifice, the PNP posthumously awarded Deiparine the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) for courageously performing his duty until his last breath.

His widow, Janice Deiparine, also received financial assistance under Republic Act 6963 and partial death benefit claims from the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc. (PSMBFI).

“In this solemn moment, I and the entire CIDG family extend our deepest condolences to the family of Police Captain Joel Deiparine, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Morico said.

“His courage and dedication will be eternally remembered,” he added.

Morico vowed that the CIDG will relentlessly pursue the suspects to ensure justice for Deiparine and to prevent similar crimes in the future.