By CESAR JOLITO III

Authorities are investigating the death of a senior police officer after his lifeless body was discovered inside his residence in Bacolod City’s Barangay Handumanan yesterday morning, May 19.

Police Lt. Colonel Romeo Vargas, 56 years old, assigned as administrative officer and chief of the City/Provincial Administrative and Resource Management Unit of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), was found dead inside his residence in Zone 11.

Initial police investigation showed the victim’s daughter last saw him when he retired to his room to sleep at 11:30 p.m. on Monday, May 18.

The following day, she noticed her father’s motorcycle was still parked inside the residence, prompting her to check on him.

Upon entering his room, she discovered her father lying on the floor with visible blood, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Investigators have not yet released details regarding the cause of death pending forensic results.

In a press statement, the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of Vargas.

It further emphasized Vargas’ years of dedicated service to law enforcement and assured the public that a thorough and impartial investigation is underway in coordination with BCPO and forensic units.

Authorities also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information while the investigation is ongoing./CJ, WDJ