A municipal police chief and two of his officers were killed in a shocking incident of fratricide, allegedly shot by a fellow policeman inside a bar in Sibulan, Negros Oriental. The suspect later surrendered to authorities.
Timeline of a Tragic Night
The violent episode began on the evening of Friday, January 9, 2026. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, spokesperson for the Negros Island Regional Police Office (NIRPO), the suspect, Police Staff Sergeant Bonifacio Saycon, first shot a woman inside the SAB Resto Bar.
The victim was identified as Sheila Mae Denauanao. The motive for this initial shooting remains unclear. Prior to the gunfire, Saycon was reportedly drinking with three other police officers: Police Captain Jose Edrohil Cimafranca (chief of the Sibulan Municipal Police Station), Police Senior Master Sergeant Tristan Joseph Chua, and Patrolman Rey Albert Temblor.
Investigations revealed that a few minutes before the shooting, the group had called Denauanao to sit with them. Suddenly, Saycon stood up and shot her.
Fatal Escape and Discovery
Following the first shooting, Cimafranca, Chua, Temblor, and the suspect quickly left the bar and headed towards Cimafranca's vehicle. The Sibulan police station was immediately alerted and responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers found Cimafranca's Mitsubishi Lancer parked by the roadside in front of Toyota Sibulan. A grim discovery awaited them inside the car.
All three police officers were found with gunshot wounds, covered in blood. Saycon was no longer at the scene. The victims were rushed to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival.
Manhunt and Surrender
Police launched a manhunt after learning that their own colleague was the prime suspect. The search ended when Saycon surrendered at 10:45 PM at the Tanjay City Police Station, which also falls under the NIRPO.
He also turned over his service firearm, which is believed to be the weapon used in the shootings.
Vows of Transparency and Accountability
Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, chief of PRO-NIR, has directed the Negros Oriental Police Office (NOPO) to conduct a thorough and deep investigation into the incident. He gave strong assurances that there would be no cover-up.
"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 stated.
Besides facing criminal charges, Saycon will also undergo an administrative investigation. The potential penalty for this is dismissal from the service.
