The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Cimafranca is handling new and additional information that will help build a strong case against a police officer charged with the murders of three fellow officers and a female civilian in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

Suspect Staff Sergeant Bonifacio Saycon was presented for inquest proceedings at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Dumaguete City yesterday.

A multiple murder complaint was filed against Saycon after he allegedly shot and killed civilian Chelamie Dinawanao, Sibulan police chief Captain Jose Edrohil Cimafranca, Senior Master Sergeant Tristan Chua and Patrolman Rey Albert Temblor on Friday night, January 9. The woman was killed inside a bar and three officers outside.

Captain Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NORPPO), told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that the SITG is working overtime to process information from various sources and witnesses of the crime.

So far, investigators have not pinpointed motives. Witnesses, such as two other police officers who were in the bar with the others, the bar owner and the security guard, have executed affidavits.

“We cannot disclose certain information … until the SITG has wrapped up its investigation,” he said.

Staff Sergeant Julius Fausto and Corporal Franky Adriano, also assigned at the Sibulan police station, were disarmed and are now under restrictive custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Meanwhile, NOrPPO Director Col. Criscente Tiguelo has been reassigned to the Regional Personnel Holding Administrative Unit of the Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), just three months after assuming his post.

Colonel Lito Patay, concurrent PRO-NIR Deputy Director for Operations and SITG Cimafranca head, was designated officer-in-charge.

“The administrative relief is carried out in line with command responsibility and established procedures of the Philippine National Police, with the primary objective of safeguarding public trust and ensuring that ongoing processes and inquiries may proceed without interference or perceived influence,” a statement from the PRO-NIR said. (PNA)