NAPOLCOM ORDERS PROBE ON BACOLOD COP LINKED TO KILLING OF BUSINESSWOMAN

NATIONAL Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan has directed the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) to conduct a motu proprio investigation into the case of a police officer from the Bacolod City Police Office allegedly involved in the disappearance and killing of a businesswoman in Negros Occidental.

The victim, identified by authorities as Kristine Joy Dignadice, 42, a resident of Victorias City, was the registered owner of a Hyundai Accent sedan found abandoned and blood-stained in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental on October 29.

Commissioner Calinisan emphasized that the Napolcom will take immediate cognizance of the case as it involves an active member of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“The Napolcom will ensure that due process is observed and that the erring police officer will be held fully accountable. The administrative case will proceed separately from any criminal proceedings filed before the court,” Calinisan said.

On November 1, the suspect, a police officer tagged as the prime suspect, voluntarily surrendered to Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas C. Ibay, Regional Director of Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City.

Police authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the crime.

Meanwhile, Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and the Special Investigation Team continue search and recovery operations to locate the victim’s remains.

Ibay described the suspect’s surrender as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation, reaffirming the PNP’s commitment to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability within its ranks.

Calinisan further assured the public that the Napolcom remains steadfast in pursuing disciplinary action against police personnel who violate the law and the code of conduct of the PNP.