The Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured the public of a transparent and impartial investigation into the killing of a single mother in Negros Occidental, allegedly involving a police officer assigned in Bacolod City.

In a statement on Sunday, PNP Chief P/LtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police organization will not tolerate any wrongdoing among its ranks and vowed to uphold integrity, discipline, and accountability within the service.

According to initial police reports, a police staff sergeant from the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) surrendered to the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) on November 1.

His surrender led authorities to the body of a 42-year-old single mother from Victorias City, Negros Occidental, who had been reported missing.

The victim’s body was found in Bago City, days after her bloodstained car was discovered abandoned in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, on 29 October.

Nartatez strongly condemned the incident, calling it “unacceptable and contrary to the values and sworn duty of a police officer.”

“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence, lalo na kung may kinalaman ang isang kasapi ng PNP,” Nartatez said. “We will make sure that due process is observed, but at the same time, we will not tolerate wrongdoing within our ranks.”

The PNP has directed the PRO-NIR to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the case.

“Nakipag-ugnayan na ang ating mga tauhan sa ating regional office sa Negros para masiguro na maayos, mabilis, at patas ang imbestigasyon. The law will be applied equally, walang special treatment, kahit sino pa ang sangkot,” he added.

Addressing the police organization, Nartatez reminded all officers of their moral and professional obligations.

“Sa ating mga kapulisan, this should serve as a reminder that wearing the uniform is both a privilege and a responsibility. Ang bawat kilos natin ay may epekto sa tiwala ng taongbayan,” he said. “We are here to protect life, not to take it.”

Nartatez extended his condolences to the victim’s family, assuring them that the PNP will do everything within its mandate to ensure justice.

“Nakikiramay kami sa pamilya ng biktima,” he said.

“We assure them that the PNP leadership is committed to ensuring that justice will be served. Hindi namin kukunsintihin ang mga pulis na sumisira sa dangal ng organisasyon.”