Cops ordered tighter monitoring, discipline after Negros Oriental police shooting

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered stricter internal monitoring and disciplinary action among its ranks following a fatal shooting involving an active police officer in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, earlier this month.

PNP Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told reporters on Tuesday that commanders at all levels must regularly monitor personnel conduct and act decisively on any form of misconduct to prevent minor violations from escalating into serious crimes.

The directive came after a background check showed that the suspect in the  January 9 shooting, Police Staff Sergeant Bonifacio Saycon, had a prior administrative case for less grave neglect of duty. Saycon was previously cited for allegedly failing to attend a court hearing related to the implementation of a search warrant.

“This is what we have been saying about the necessity of commanders regularly upholding strict discipline and acting decisively on any misconduct of any personnel under their direct supervision,” Nartatez said. 

He stressed that even minor infractions must be addressed immediately to avoid more serious offenses.

Nartatez said the incident highlights the need to strengthen the PNP’s internal monitoring and disciplinary systems, particularly in closely supervising personnel with prior administrative records and removing them from sensitive assignments when necessary.

An immediate audit has been ordered to identify gaps in the tracking and enforcement of administrative cases within the police force and to ensure that sanctions and corrective measures are properly implemented. 

The PNP is also reviewing how Saycon’s previous case was handled.

Meanwhile, Nartatez acknowledged the relief of Negros Oriental police director Col. Criscente Tiguelo and the designation of Col. Lito Patay as officer-in-charge. 

He clarified that the relief was not punitive but a command decision based on accountability.

“When there is a series of violent incidents and lapses in command and control are observed, we act decisively to protect public safety,” Nartatez said, adding that he has ordered the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region to review its security deployment and ensure clear supervision of operating units.

Initial investigation showed that Saycon allegedly shot and killed a woman inside a bar while drinking with three other police officers, including Sibulan police chief Capt. Jose Edrohil Cimafranca. 

While being transported to the police station, Saycon reportedly shot and killed Cimafranca and two other officers, Senior Master Sgt. Tristan Chua and Patrolman Rey Albert Temblor.

Authorities said the motive for the attack remains unclear as Saycon has refused to give a statement. Investigators, however, noted that the group was severely intoxicated at the time of the incident.

The deputy chief of the Sibulan police station was also relieved after filing an inaccurate police blotter report, which stated that the three officers who were later killed went to the bar only after the woman was shot.