Negros Oriental police chief relieved over cops’ slay

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The chief of the Negros Oriental police has been relieved from his post in connection with the killing by a policeman of three fellow officers and a civilian in Sibulan town.

The relief of Col. Criscente Tiguelo stemmed from the killing of Sibulan police chief Capt. Jose Edrohil Cimafranca, Senior M/Sgt. Tristan Chua and Pat. Rey Albert Temblor as well as a civilian identified as Shiela Mae Denauanao.

The suspect, S/Sgt. Bonifacio Saycon, also of the Sibulan police, was subjected to inquest proceedings yesterday at the Negros Oriental Prosecutor’s Office for multiple murder.

Saycon surrendered to the Tanjay City police after allegedly shooting the victims dead.

The Negros Island Region (NIR) police said the administrative relief of Tiguelo is in line with policies on command responsibility and procedures of the Philippine National Police.

Tiguelo’s relief was intended to protect public trust and ensure that the investigation is free from interference or perceived influence, the NIR police said.

Col. Lito Patay, NIR police deputy director for operations, was designated as officer-in-charge of the Negros Oriental police to ensure continuity of operations and supervision of all local police units, according to Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesman for the NIR police.

Lt. Col. Jul Mohammad Jamiri, deputy director for administration of the Negros Oriental police, was designated concurrent officer-in-charge of the Sibulan police.

Reports said that for still unknown reasons, Saycon allegedly shot Denauanao in a resto-bar where he and his fellow officers were celebrating the birthday of Cimafranca on Jan. 9.