National Police Commission (Napolcom), vice-chairman and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan has ordered directed the conduct an investigation into the case of a police officer in Bacolod City for alleged complicity in the disappearance and killing of a businesswoman in Negros Occidental.
The suspect, SSgt Enrique Gonzalodo surrendered pm Saturday morning to the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (NOCPPO).
The victim, identified as Kristine Joy Dignadice, a resident of Victorias City, was the registered owner of a Hyundai Accent sedan found abandoned with blood stains in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, last Wednesday, Oct. 29.
She was reported missing since Oct. 29. Probers recovered her car on the same day in sitio Sol-ol, Brgy Gargato, Hinigaran town.
Calinisan said 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,” he said.
On Nov. 1, the suspect, a police officer tagged as a prime suspect in the case, voluntarily surrendered to Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay,–Negros Island Region police director, at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City.
Investigators have yet to determine the motive behind the case which possibly involves homicide or murder. Meanwhile, Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and the Special Investigation Team continued its search and recovery operations to locate the victim’s remains.
Acting on a tip from another police officer, the investigators reportedly dug up the victim’s remains from s shallow grave barangay Don Jorge Araneta, Bago City.
The suspect, now detained at NOCPPO, asked for forgiveness from the victim’s family and his fellow policemen.
