Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) Director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay has mandated the creation of a special investigation team. This follows a violent incident in Barangay Tubtubon, Sibulan, Negros Oriental, on January 9, 2026, which resulted in four fatalities, including three police officers.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The deadly sequence of events began at approximately 9:35 p.m. inside the SAB Resto Bar. According to Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, Police Staff Sergeant Bonifacio Saycon Jr., a member of the Sibulan Municipal Police Station, shot Sheila Mae Denauanao, a civilian. The attack, which occurred without apparent provocation, caused her instantaneous death.
Shortly after the initial shooting, another incident occurred in front of Toyota Motors in the same barangay. This resulted in gunshot injuries to three police officers: Captain Jose Edrohil Cimafranca, the Sibulan Municipal Police Station chief; Police Senior Master Sergeant Tristan Joseph Chua; and Patrolman Rey Albert Temblor.
Malong stated that an investigation revealed the suspect and the three officers had been seated together with Denauanao in the bar prior to the violence. After shooting Denauanao, the suspect and the officers were seen leaving the establishment together in a vehicle.
Investigation and Official Response
Responding to the report, Sibulan police traced the vehicle, which was later identified as a Mitsubishi Lancer owned by Captain Cimafranca. It was found parked on the roadside in front of Toyota Sibulan. The three injured officers were discovered inside and rushed to a hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
The suspect, Bonifacio Saycon Jr., fled the scene but voluntarily surrendered to the Tanjay City Police Station around 10:40 p.m. on the same night. He has since been turned over to the Sibulan Municipal Police Station and is facing both criminal and administrative charges.
In his directive, Brigadier General Ibay emphasized the need for a thorough and transparent probe. "There will be no whitewash. This investigation will be conducted with full transparency, and anyone found liable, will be held accountable under the law," Ibay declared. He has ordered close monitoring of the investigation to ensure adherence to due process.
Commitment to Accountability and Public Trust
The PRO-NIR has assured the public of its firm commitment to accountability and professionalism. The organization stated it will not tolerate any misconduct that undermines public trust, especially in incidents involving its own personnel. The special investigation team has been specifically tasked to ensure the probe is evidence-based and free from undue influence.
This case has sent shockwaves through the Negros Oriental community, highlighting grave concerns within the police force. The PRO-NIR's decisive action in activating a special team underscores the seriousness with which it is treating the incident as it seeks justice for all four victims.
