A police officer was killed while another was injured during a surveillance operation by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Barangay Sudlon 2, Cebu City, around 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 25.
Authorities identified the slain officer as Police Captain Joel H. Deiparine, while Police Executive Master Sergeant Artchel C. Tero sustained minor injuries. Both were assigned to the CIDG Regional Field Unit 7.
Initial investigation showed that the team was conducting surveillance against a suspect identified as Leonardo “Jun” Manto, the target of OPLAN “Paglalansag Omega.”
Police said Manto noticed the presence of operatives and allegedly opened fire, hitting Deiparine. Tero managed to escape but suffered minor injuries during the encounter.
Deiparine was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
A manhunt has been launched for Manto, who fled the scene along with two companions identified as Renante “Nante” Manto and another unidentified individual believed to be involved in the incident.
The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) announced a ₱100,000 cash reward for anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of the primary suspect.
