By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A 36-year-old police officer was killed after he got trapped inside the house owned by his mother at Purok Jacinto, Barangay San Fernando in Talisay City, Negros Occidental on Christmas Day.

Authorities identified the fatality as Police Corporal Joebert Diasanta, assigned under the Silay City Police Station.

In a radio interview with Uldarico Diasanta Jr., the victim’s sibling, he said his brother went to their mother’s house late Friday night, December 24, in order to bring the vehicle they will use for the next morning’s Christmas Day mass.

The victim then decided to sleep in her mother’s house instead, even though his own house in Menlo, Talisay City was just nearby.

At around 4:30 a.m. the rest of the family left for mass, while the cop remained at the residence as he was still resting.

When the fire broke out, Uldarico said he was also inside the house and he tried to douse the flames but to no avail.

Joebert, meanwhile, was last heard screaming for help, but the fire was already too big and they were unable to rescue him.

The victim left behind his wife and two children.

Fire Senior Inspector Jovelyn Zamar, Talisay City acting fire chief, said based on their initial investigation, a leftover candle is currently being blamed for the blaze as electricity had not yet been restored in the house following the onslaught of super typhoon “Odette.”

Silay City police chief, Police Lt. Colonel Robert Petate, meanwhile, expressed sadness over the loss of one of their finest police officers.

Petate described the victim as diligent in his work and a family man.

He further added the Silay City police will voluntarily give a contribution to the victim’s family./DGB, WDJ