- Davao City Police Office mourns officer killed in line of duty
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) honored one of its fallen officers who was killed while serving an arrest warrant on a fugitive at around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, in Sitio Allon, Malabog, Paquibato District.
DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Tuazon said Staff Sergeant Noel Marundan joined operatives in serving five warrants of arrest, including two counts of murder, kidnapping, serious illegal detention, robbery by a band, and serious illegal detention against Nestor Dabawnon Ansayod.
Law enforcers acted on information that the fugitive was spotted in the area.
However, Ansayod sensed the officers and opened fire, fatally hitting Marundan. The operatives retaliated and killed the target on the spot.
Police also rushed Marundan to the Paquibato District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival due to the gravity of his wounds and the distance from the operation’s location.
At around 10 p.m. on the same day, the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team arrived at the Paquibato Station and later proceeded to St. Peter Funeral Homes in Panacan to conduct a post-mortem examination on the body of SSG Marundan. However, they decided to reschedule the assessment on Thursday.
At approximately midnight on Nov. 7, Marundan’s body was transferred to St. Peter’s Funeral Homes in Panacan.
At around 1 a.m. on Nov. 7, the remains of Ansayod were retrieved by responding PS7 personnel led by Lieutenant Jevie Calagui and the 27th Infantry Battalion. The body was transported to Rivera Funeral Parlor in Licanan to avoid potential retaliation by the suspect’s relatives.
Honor guard
Acting city police director Colonel Hansel Marantan facilitated the wake arrangements for Marundan, while Colonel Anna Liza Macapinlac, Regional Comptroller Division XI, gave financial assistance to the officer’s family. The DCPO also detailed 24/7 personnel to serve as honor guard.
“On behalf of the Davao City Police, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Police Staff Sergeant Noel Marundan, an exemplary intelligence officer with Police Station 7, Paquibato. His ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty reflects his courage, commitment, and dedication to safeguarding our community,” Marantan said.
“DCPO mourns this profound loss and honors PSSg Marundan as a hero whose legacy of service and valor inspires us all. We remain resolute in our mission to protect Davao City and uphold peace and justice in his memory,” he added.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s statement
Meanwhile, Mayor Sebastian Duterte condoled with Marundan’s family.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Police Staff Sergeant Noel Marundan, who tragically lost his life during a police operation on Wednesday in Sitio Allon, Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District after the suspect resisted arrest and shot him,” Mayor Duterte stated.
“PSSg Marundan will always be remembered for his courageous service, and we will honor his legacy as we continue to fight for a peaceful society.
“I commend the members of the Davao City Police who remain steadfast in their commitment to serve the public, selflessly dedicating their lives to protect law-abiding Dabawenyos.”
Photo courtesy of DCPO
