DAVAO CITY – Police Staff Sergeant Noel Marundan, assigned to the Paquibato Police Precinct, was declared dead on arrival at Paquibato District Hospital after being shot during an operation yesterday, November 6, at around 5:00 p.m. in Sitio Allon, Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District, here.
According to Acting Davao City Police Director Colonel Hansel Marantan, Marundan was part of an operation targeting a suspect identified as “Alyas Osie,” who faces charges of murder, kidnapping, robbery, and serious illegal detention.
In January of this year, Osie escaped police custody, an incident that was not reported to the previous station commander.
When Marantan assumed office in July, he conducted an inspection of precincts across the city, it was then that he uncovered Osie’s escape. A manhunt was then ordered.
During the recent operation, police attempted to convince Osie to surrender, but instead, he opened fire, fatally wounding Marundan with shots to the head and body.
Marantan said Staff Sergeant Marundan was rushed to Paquibato District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Osie’s body was recovered by police and Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) around 1:00 a.m. on November 7. It has been brought to a funeral home for autopsy.
In an interview with Newsline Philippines, Colonel Marantan explained, “Osie had previously surrendered and was held on four arrest warrants. However, due to negligence on the part of the former station commander, his escape in January was not reported. During my inventory, we discovered he was missing, and I ordered a manhunt for him.”
The Davao City Police Office expressed its condolences to Marundan’s family, honoring his bravery, commitment, and dedication to community protection.
Marantan also reminded officers to exercise caution during operations. “I advise our police officers to be vigilant and cautious when executing warrants. Extra caution can prevent such tragedies. Although this was an accident, we must always be prepared and proceed diplomatically.”
The Philippine National Police pledged to provide full support and benefits to Marundan’s family, recognizing him as a hero for his service to Davao City.
Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte also extended his condolences to Marundan’s family and commended the DCPO officers for their integrity and dedication to the safety of Dabawenyos.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
