The top police official in Negros Oriental has been removed from his position following a deadly incident involving personnel under his command.
Leadership Change at Norppo
Police Colonel Criscent Tiguelo is no longer the director of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo). His relief took effect on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, the chief of the Public Information Office for the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), confirmed the move. She stated that Tiguelo has been reassigned to the Regional Personnel Holding Administrative Unit of PRO-NIR.
Ensuring Continuity of Command
To maintain stability, Police Colonel Lito Patay has been appointed as the officer-in-charge (OIC) of Norppo. Patay currently serves as the Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO).
"His designation is intended to ensure continuity of command, operational stability, and strict supervision of all police units in the province while the administrative process is ongoing," Malong explained.
Administrative Relief and Public Trust
The police official emphasized that Tiguelo's relief is administrative in nature. It was carried out in line with the Philippine National Police's principles of command responsibility and established procedures.
"The primary objective is safeguarding public trust and ensuring that ongoing processes and inquiries may proceed without interference or perceived influence," Malong noted.
PRO-NIR has assured residents of Negros Oriental that police operations and services remain uninterrupted. The command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
Background: The Sibulan Shooting Incident
This leadership change comes days after a tragic shooting in Sibulan, Negros Oriental. On January 9, 2026, four people were killed in Barangay Tubtubon.
The victims included three police officers from the Sibulan Municipal Police Station:
- Captain Jose Edrohil Cimafranca (Station Chief)
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Tristan Joseph Chua
- Patrolman Rey Albert Temblor
A civilian, Sheila Mae Denauanao, was also killed.
The suspect, Police Staff Sergeant Bonifacio Saycon Jr., who was also a member of the Sibulan police, voluntarily surrendered to the Tanjay City Police Station. He has been turned over to the Sibulan Municipal Police Station and is now facing both criminal and administrative charges.
