A tragic shooting in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, has left four people dead, including three police officers, after a fellow cop opened fire on Friday, January 9, 2025.
Suspect Surrenders After Deadly Rampage
Police Staff Sergeant Bonifacio Saycon is now in custody after surrendering to the Tanjay City police more than an hour following the violent incident. The acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., confirmed the suspect's identity and the basic timeline of events.
The violence began inside a bar located in Barangay Tubtubon. According to initial reports, Saycon first shot and killed Shiela Mae Dinanao. His fellow police officers, who were with him at the bar, immediately moved to arrest him and take away his firearm.
Fellow Officers Gunned Down En Route to Station
While the group was transporting Saycon to the police station, the situation turned even more deadly. The suspect allegedly managed to draw another firearm and opened fire on his arresting colleagues.
The officers killed in this second burst of violence have been identified as:
- Captain Jose Edrohil Cimafranca, the police chief of Sibulan town.
- Senior Master Sergeant Tristan Chua.
- Patrolman Rey Albert Temblor.
This act resulted in a total of four fatalities before Saycon eventually turned himself in.
PNP Leadership Vows Full Accountability
Lieutenant General Nartatez has directed the Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) to investigate the case from all possible angles. He emphasized that the probe must be thorough and transparent.
"While the involved policeman is already under police custody, I have directed the authorities to investigate the case thoroughly and ensure that there will be no cover-ups," Nartatez stated.
The PNP chief assured the public that airtight criminal and administrative cases will be filed against Saycon. The goal is not only to remove him from the police service but also to ensure he is imprisoned.
Nartatez issued a stern warning to all PNP personnel, reminding them of the organization's zero-tolerance policy for any act that tarnishes its integrity. He stressed that wearing the uniform is a privilege carrying immense responsibility, where discipline and accountability are non-negotiable.
"All PNP personnel are reminded that they are expected to remain physically, emotionally, and psychologically fit to perform their duties at all times," he said. "Any behavior that impairs judgment, weakens control, or poses risk to others is unacceptable."
Furthermore, Nartatez ordered all unit commanders to enforce close supervision over their personnel. He highlighted that command responsibility applies at all levels, and failure to uphold standards will be dealt with according to the law.
