“When a police officer is killed, it’s not an agency that loses an officer, it’s an entire nation.” – Chris Cosgriff
A deafening silence echoed in the town of Mainit, Surigao Del Norte on August 18, 2025, as the personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) rendered a 21-gun salute to a fallen cop who made his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This was more than just a tradition but a final salute given to a hero who lived and served with integrity, courage, and dedication to duty.
Around 3:00 AM on August 7, Patrolman Ferry Sida Jaso of the CIDG Dinagat Islands Provincial Field Unit was shot to death by a suspected gun trafficker identified as alias “Anjun” in Purok 4, Barangay Sta. Cruz, San Jose, Dinagat Islands. Pat Jaso, together with his colleague Pat Leonel Estroso was conducting surveillance on the said illegal weapons dealer when the suspect sensed their identities and drew his cal. 45 pistol, killing Pat Jaso on the spot.
With a strong sense of urgency and presence of mind, Pat Estroso immediately responded and precisely exchanged fire with the suspect, which also resulted to the latter’s instantaneous death. His alertness and bravery had ensured the safety of the civilians residing in the area.
Pat Jaso, 29-year-old, was a native of Mainit, Surigao del Norte. He graduated Cum laude at the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges in Surigao City, where he earned his degree in Criminology. A Licensed Criminologist, he joined the Philippine National Police (PNP) on November 9, 2021 as a CIDG recruit where he graduated Top 1 of his class. He also served as the battalion commander of his Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) Class Sinag Matatag.
Right after graduation, he was deployed to the CIDG Dinagat Islands Provincial Unit of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 13 where he was designated as an intelligence operative.
Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, Acting Director of CIDG, commended Patrolmen Jaso and Estroso for their gallantry, even in the face of death.
“We are deeply mourning the loss of one of our young and brave personnel who offered the ultimate sacrifice in line of his sworn duty,” said PBGen Abrahano.
“On behalf of the CIDG, I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of Patrolman Ferry Jaso. I honor him for his dedication and bravery. His ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty will be forever remembered not only by [the] CIDG but by the [entire] Philippine National Police. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
On August 10, Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, then Chief, PNP, together with senior PNP officials, personally visited the wake of Patrolman Jaso in Barangay San Francisco, Mainit, Surigao del Norte. The PNP Top Cop conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and paid tribute to the faithful and honorable service of the late police officer as a dedicated law enforcer.
PGen Torre III, however, reiterated the unwavering support of the entire PNP organization, not only to their comrades in service but also to the families they leave behind.
Joining PGen Torre during the wake visit were PNP Spokesperson, Police Brigadier General Jean S. Fajardo; Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano–former Regional Director of Police Regional Office 13 and now CIDG Director; and members of the PRO13 Command Group led by the newly designated Regional Director, Police Brigadier General Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV.
Though Pat Jaso’s watch ended on that very day, his fellow officers and the rest of the PNP organization vows to continue the fight for peace and order. His outstanding service was, indeed, short-lived but it was definitely worthwhile. He was not only a protector but also a leader, and a brother who inspired his fellow officers to carry the badge with pride and the uniform with honor.
