The National Police Commission has launched a motu proprio investigation into the involvement of a Bacolod City police officer in the disappearance and killing of a businesswoman in Negros Occidental, the Napolcom said yesterday.
Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Calinisan ordered the agency’s inspection, monitoring and investigation service to look into the case of the officer tagged in the death of Kristine Joy Dignadice, a 42-year-old resident of Victorias City.
The search for Dignadice ended on Saturday after the unnamed officer surrendered to Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, the Negros Island Region police chief, and admitted his involvement in the crime.
Dignadice’s decomposing body was recovered at Hacienda Weber in Barangay Don Jorge Araneta in Bago City, following the information provided by the suspect. Her bloodstained car was found abandoned in Hinigaran town, more than 30 kilometers away, on Oct. 29.
‘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, noting that the commission immediately took cognizance of the case as it involves an active member of the Philippine National Police.
The PNP has yet to determine the policeman’s motive, as the investigation continues.
Ibay ordered a parallel administrative investigation against the suspect he described as a staff sergeant and member of the Bacolod City Police.
‘We owe it to the public we serve to demonstrate that no one is above the law. We will make sure that this case is pursued with fairness, professionalism and compassion for the victim’s family,’ Ibay said, adding that the PNP will ‘not allow one man’s crime to stain the honor of those who wear the uniform with integrity and compassion.’
Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, a former mayor of Victorias City, requested the PNP, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Office of the Ombudsman and Commission on Human Rights to look into the murder.
Calinisan assured the public that the Napolcom remains firm in enforcing disciplinary action against police personnel who violate the law and the PNP code of conduct.