CPPO, Tuburan mourn police official’s death

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) is saddened by the death of Tuburan Police Station Chief Glenn Hife, who passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025. He was 51.

The provincial command extended its condolences to Hife’s family and loved ones, and assured honor his memories by upholding the values he stood for.

His colleagues found his body on Saturday late afternoon in his room inside the Tuburan Police Station.

“We mourn the loss of an exceptional officer who dedicated his life to service. His legacy of bravery and commitment will inspire us to continue his mission,”

Police Colonel Jovito Atanacio, CPPO officer-in-charge, said.

In its Facebook page, the CPPO described Hife as a model of leadership, integrity, and dedication. He also served his community with unwavering commitment to peace and order.

Known for his relentless pursuit of justice and community engagement, Hife earned the respect of his colleagues, local leaders, and residents.

Under Hife’s watch, the Tuburan Police Station conducted numerous successful operations against all forms of criminalities and illegal activites, while strengthening its ties with the community.

In a separate Facebook post, Tuburan Mayor Aljun Diamante said  that the town is mourning the loss of its dynamic police chief.

“LGU-Tuburan recognizes and honors the exemplary service of a remarkable police officer whose dedication to duty, integrity and courage exemplifies the very best of what it means to protect and serve,” Diamante said.

In the face of danger, Diamante said that Hife remained steadfast, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the community above all else.

Diamante said Hife’s commitment to justice and compassion to those he served are his qualities that inspired the people of Tuburan.

“So much so that his commitment to protecting our community in Tuburan, often at great personal risk, is nothing short of inspiring.  He embodies the ideals of courage, integrity and service, standing the beacon of hope in challenging times,” the mayor added, as he thanked Hife for his sacrifice and for keeping the town safe.

The police force of Tuburan made their final salute to Hife yesterday before he was brought to the St. Peter Memorial Chapel on P. Burgos St., Cebu City, for his wake.

In an interview over XFM radio, Police Lt. Mamerto Gastador, Tuburan Police Station deputy chief, said that based on the report of Hife’s attending doctor that there is a possibility that the late police official could have been dead about six to eight hours before his colleagues discovered him inside his room past 5 p.m. last Saturday.

Gastador said Hife had complained of a stomach pain earlier that day and opted to stay in his room. He said Hife skipped breakfast and lunch.

Gastador said he tried calling Hife at noon time but the latter did not answer. Hife also did not reply in their group chat.

Later in the afternoon, Gastador said that he already started to worry when Hife did not go out of his room, prompting them to check on him by using a spare key to open the room.

“Among gitoktok ang pultahan pero wala man gyud siyay response, mao to gamit sa duplicate nga key, among nakita nga nag ubo na si Sir Glenn,” Gastador said.

Gastador said Hiife may have suffered a heart attack, quoting the latter’s attending doctor.

“Matud pa sa doctor nga nitan-aw sa iyang lawas, mga six to eight hours nga patay si Sir Glenn sukad sa pag check up doctor. So, akong tan-aw mga 11 a.m. to 12 sa udto, wala na siya,” Gastador said.

An autopsy has yet to be performed on Hife’s body.

Hife joined the police force in September 1996.

Prior to his assignment in Tuburan, among the positions he held were chief of Balamban Police Station and chief of CPPO’s Police Strategy Management Unit.