In a significant leadership shake-up, Police Colonel Criscent Tiguelo has been removed from his position as the chief of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NORPPO). This decisive action comes in the wake of a shocking incident involving a police officer under his command that resulted in multiple fatalities.
Command Change Amidst Crisis
The order for Tiguelo's relief was issued by Police Brigadier General Arnold Ibay, the regional director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR). The directive was announced on January 12, 2026. To ensure the continuity of police services in the province, Police Colonel Lito Patay, the current Deputy Regional Director for Operations, has been designated as the officer-in-charge of the provincial office.
General Ibay emphasized that this temporary leadership change was implemented to prevent any disruption in public service delivery to the people of Negros Oriental while a thorough investigation into the tragic event is ongoing.
The Tragic Shooting Incident
The relief was directly triggered by a violent rampage allegedly carried out by Police Staff Sergeant Bonifacio Saycon. The sequence of events began when Saycon reportedly shot a female worker at the SAB Bar in Sibulan City for reasons still under investigation.
As fellow officers attempted to bring him to the Sibulan Municipal Police Station, the situation escalated catastrophically. Saycon allegedly turned his firearm on the responding officers, killing the station commander, Police Captain Jose Edrohil Cimafranca, and two of his colleagues. The slain officers were identified as Police Senior Master Sergeant Tristan Joseph Chua and Patrolman Rey Albert Temblor.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Following the shooting, the suspect, Staff Sergeant Saycon, surrendered himself at the Tanjay City Police Station. He is now facing severe legal consequences for his actions.
Saycon will be charged with multiple murder cases for the deaths of his three fellow officers and the civilian bar worker. Additionally, he will face separate administrative cases within the Philippine National Police system, which could lead to his dismissal from the service.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the police force and the local community, raising serious questions about internal security and personnel welfare. The investigation by PRO-NIR aims to uncover the full circumstances and motives behind the shooting, as the province mourns the loss of its police officers.
