By CESAR JOLITO III
Authorities have confirmed that the killing of 42-year-old businesswoman Kristine Joy “Lotlot” Dignadice was allegedly the result of a lover’s quarrel with Police Staff Sergeant Enrique Gonzalodo Jr., following the suspect’s surrender on November 1.
In a press conference yesterday, Police Colonel Dennis Wenceslao, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), revealed that Dignadice and Gonzalodo had been in an illicit relationship for about three years.
According to Wenceslao, the couple was inside Dignadice’s car when they engaged in a heated argument around 9:00 a.m. on October 29 in Negros Occidental’s Talisay City.
During the confrontation, Gonzalodo’s 9mm service firearm was reportedly placed near the handbrake.
Dignadice allegedly tried to grab the weapon, leading to a struggle that caused it to discharge.
Wenceslao said Gonzalodo claimed the shooting was accidental.
Distressed after the incident, Gonzalodo allegedly drove to Barangay Don Jorge Araneta, Bago City, where he dumped Dignadice’s body.
He then abandoned her car in Hinigaran town’s Barangay Gargato, where it was later found with bloodstains.
Inconsistencies
Wenceslao said investigators have found inconsistencies in Gonzalodo’s claim that the shooting incident was accidental.
“If it was truly an accident, why did he hide the victim’s body instead of bringing her to the hospital?” Wenceslao said, questioning the suspect’s account.
He also confirmed that witnesses saw Gonzalodo boarding a bus shortly after leaving the victim’s vehicle behind in Hinigaran.
Police Major West Edquilla, officer-in-charge provincial chief of the Scene of the Crime Operatives confirmed that Dignadice sustained a single gunshot wound to the right shoulder, with the bullet exiting through her neck.
Edquilla said the victim’s body was already in a state of decomposition when recovered, likely due to exposure to the elements for several days. He added that the heat and direct sunlight may have accelerated the process.
Murder case
The NOCPPO is set to file a murder charge against Gonzalodo in connection with Dignadice’s death.
Gonzalodo is currently under investigation as authorities finalize the filing of the murder case.
Wenceslao condemned the act, calling it a grave offense and betrayal of the police’s sworn duty to protect lives.
“This is a tragic and unacceptable incident. It is a betrayal of the public’s trust and of our oath as law enforcers,” he said./CJ, WDJ