The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office has formed the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Cimafranca to further probe the killing of the Sibulan police chief and two of his men, who were shot dead by a fellow police officer.
SITG Cimafranca was created to shed light on the deaths of three police officers and a female civilian during a shooting incident on the night of January 9, 2026, at Barangay Tubtobon in Sibulan.
Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region Director Arnold Thomas Ibay said the task group aims to establish a clearer account of what transpired inside the bar where the shooting occurred.
Police said the suspect, Tanjay City Police Station personnel Police Staff Sergeant Bonifacio Saycon, allegedly shot female worker Sheila Mae Denauanao inside the SAB Resto Bar before stepping outside the establishment.
Sibulan Municipal Police Station chief Police Captain Jose Edrohil Cimafranca, Police Senior Master Sergeant Tristan Joseph Chua, and Patrolman Rey Albert Temblor reportedly followed Saycon outside. Ibay said the three officers talked to the suspect and seized the caliber .45 firearm used in the initial shooting.
Cimafranca then ordered Saycon to board a Mitsubishi Lancer to bring him to the police station. While en route, with Saycon seated in the back alongside the other officers, the suspect allegedly pulled out another firearm and shot the three policemen, killing them on the spot.
When asked how Saycon obtained a second firearm, Ibay said the suspect may have had another concealed weapon.
Members of the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) recovered caliber .45 shell casings inside the bar, while 9mm casings were found inside the vehicle, indicating that two different firearms were used in the attacks.
Ibay said Saycon was uncooperative during questioning, particularly when asked about his motive for shooting the civilian and his fellow officers.
He added that six police officers were inside the bar at the time of the incident, not just the four initially identified, all of whom were members of the Sibulan Municipal Police Station. The firearms of the two other officers were confiscated, and they were placed under camp restriction pending investigation.
Ibay stressed that police officers are prohibited from entering bars unless conducting an intelligence operation, and assured the public that the PRO–Negros Island Region would be transparent in handling the case.
He added that Saycon is facing multiple murder charges and that justice will be pursued for all the victims.