The three stars in the Philippine flag symbolizes the three principal islands where the country’s revolutionary movement began—Luzon, Panay in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Metaphorically, just this month of October, three brave souls from these three major island groups of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, have laid down their lives in the line of duty, rekindling once again the Filipino’s desire for justice and commitment to peace and order. They have made the ultimate sacrifice that will be remembered for generations, as they courageously performed their mandate as proud members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The most recent story of heroism took place on the dawn of October 30, 2025, when the operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Sulu Provincial Field Unit (PFU), together with the PNP Special Action Force (SAF), conducted a high-risk law enforcement operation at Sitio Talatak, Barangay Bato-Bato in the town of Indanan, Sulu.
The police operatives composed of the 54th Special Action Company (SAC) of the 5th Special Action Battalion (SAB) of PNP SAF, along with 27 personnel of 81st SAC, PNP SAF; CIDG Sulu PFU (lead unit); in coordination with other PNP Units and the 100th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, spearheaded a search warrant operation to a Wanted person named Alnaib Sahiddan Daud alias “General,” for violations of Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act” and Republic Act 9516, which penalizes the unlawful manufacture, sale, acquisition or possession of explosives or incendiary devices.
However, the suspect and his companions refused to surrender peacefully, rather exchanged a firefight with the police operatives. Left with no choice, the operatives returned fire, killing Alnaib Sahiddan Daud on the spot. Daud’s other companion managed to flee while the other one got arrested.
Unfortunately, Police Corporal Albasir Lauban Lumalag, a native of Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, who is assigned in PNP SAF, was fatally shot in his head during the encounter. Also wounded in the firefight was Patrolman Felix Ruado who was immediately transported to the Integrated Provincial Health Office-Sulu, later then airlifted to Zamboanga City for further medical treatment with the assistance of a US MSOC helicopter.
The PNP personnel successfully recovered one M14 rifle, one M16 rifle, one caliber .45 pistol, and other pieces of evidence from the slain suspects, while clearing operations continued in the encounter site as of this writing.
Meanwhile, at around 6:00 P.M. on October 25, Police Captain Joel Hernan Deiparine, assigned in CIDG–Lapu-Lapu City Field Unit, was also shot while he was conducting casing and surveillance operations, together with Police Executive Master Sergeant Artchel C. Tero in Sitio Balaw, Barangay Sudlon 2, Cebu City.
According to the initial report, both PCpt Deiparine and PEMS Tero were onboard a motorcycle, when the suspect identified as Leonardo “Jun” Manto, a resident of the same area, suddenly opened fire at them. PCpt Deiparine sustained multiple gunshot wounds, resulting in his instantaneous death, while PEMS Tero managed to withdraw from the burst of fire, sustaining only minor injuries. The alleged gun-for-hire suspect immediately fled the scene.
The authorities had already offered a total of Php500,000 monetary reward to anyone who can provide information on the whereabouts of the suspect, who remains at large. Further investigations revealed that Manto has an outstanding warrant of arrest for illegal possession of firearms. He had previously been arrested by the Cebu City Mobile Force Company and the Parian Police Station in March 2022 and July 2023 for separate warrants issued by the court.
Police Major General Robert AA Morico II, Acting Director of CIDG, visited the wake of PCpt Deiparine in Cebu City, extending his personal and the Unit’s full support and financial assistance to the bereaved family. The latter was posthumously awarded the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal), for courageously standing his ground and valiantly performed his sworn duty.
On October 31, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief, accompanied by Police Brigadier General Redrico A. Maranan, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7), also personally paid tribute to PCpt Deiparine in his wake at his residence in Talisay City, Cebu. The visit stood as a solemn testament to the selfless service of every police officer and the shared sacrifices of their families in the name of peace and order and public safety.
The PNP Top Cop described PCpt Deiparine and the rest of the fallen officers as “police officers who served with heart, compassion, and commitment, a true reflection of the values that define PNP.”
The same bravery was displayed by Police Corporal Jay-ar Galabay, a member of the Cauayan Component City Police Station, when he responded to an incident involving an armed suspect identified as Jomark Molina, along the Maharlika National Highway in Barangay Cabaruan, Cauayan City, Isabela.
PCpl Galabay was already on his way home ready to enjoy his off-duty after being deployed as one of the security personnel during the Miss Tourism Philippines 2025 Coronation Night held at F.L. Dy Coliseum in Cauayan City on October 16, when the incident happened.
Without hesitation, PCpl Galabay confronted the armed suspect who violently stabbed him multiple times. Despite being seriously wounded, PCpl Galabay held his ground and successfully neutralized the violent assailant. His courage and unwavering devotion to duty compelled him to confront the armed suspect, a selfless act that ultimately cost him his life.
The next day, Police Brigadier General Antonio P. Marallag, Jr., Regional Director of Police Regional Office 2 (PRO 2), visited the wake of PCpl Galabay in Barangay District 1, Reina Mercedes, Isabela. PBGen Marallag personally awarded the Medalya ng Kadakilaan, honoring PCpl Galabay’s supreme sacrifice. The award, along with the financial assistance was accepted by his wife.
May it be in Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao, the Nation’s Peacekeepers have remained resolute and devoted to their mandate, standing strong for the country, serving and protecting the Filipino people. They safeguard our communities, even when it costs them everything. We feel safe and secure because we have police officers in the streets who risk their lives on the line, willing to sacrifice, so that the general public may live in safety.
