A tragic shooting incident in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, has led to multiple murder charges against a police officer accused of killing a civilian and three of his colleagues, including the local police chief. The violent episode, which unfolded on the night of Friday, January 9, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the Philippine National Police (PNP) community and prompted a swift internal response.
Details of the Fatal Shooting
Police Captain Stephen Jaynard Polinar, the information officer for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), identified the suspect as Police Staff Sergeant Bonifacio Saycon. According to official reports, the violence began inside a local bar where Saycon allegedly shot and killed a woman identified as Sheila Mae Denauanao.
The situation escalated further when Saycon reportedly turned his weapon on his fellow officers. The subsequent shooting inside a vehicle resulted in the deaths of three police personnel. The fatalities have been named as Police Captain Jose Edrohil C. Cimafranca, the chief of the Sibulan Municipal Police Station (MPS); Police Senior Master Sergeant Tristan Joseph Chua; and Police Patrolman Albert Temblor.
Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) reports indicate that both Capt. Cimafranca and Pat. Temblor sustained two gunshot wounds each, while PSMS Chua suffered a single wound. All injuries were described as "fatal," causing rapid death. The body of Sheila Mae Denauanao has undergone autopsy and has been transported to Mindanao.
Charges Filed and Ongoing Investigation
Formal charges have now been filed against Staff Sergeant Saycon. He is facing one count of murder for the death of Denauanao and three counts of Qualified Direct Assault with Murder for the killings of his three fellow officers. The suspect has not yet issued an official statement, and the precise motive behind the triple shooting of Denauanao and the attack on his colleagues remains under investigation.
Two other police officers who were with Saycon during the drinking session but were not involved in the shooting are currently under camp restriction at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) office. They are facing an administrative investigation. Polinar emphasized that their testimony is crucial as they were witnesses to the initial events inside the bar.
PNP Response and Internal Repercussions
In the wake of the tragedy, the PNP has moved to provide financial assistance for the burial of the slain officers. However, the provision of other benefits will depend on the final decision from Camp Crame, the national headquarters.
The incident has triggered a forceful internal reminder from provincial police leadership. All officers in Negros Oriental have been sternly warned against entering establishments of ill-repute and participating in any illegal activities. Station commanders have been directed to consistently engage with their personnel to ensure the strict enforcement of the PNP's ethical standards.
This case highlights severe internal disciplinary challenges and has put a spotlight on conduct within the force in the region. The community of Sibulan and the broader PNP await further developments as the criminal and administrative investigations proceed.
